Muscle Weakness Treatment At Home – Causes, 12 Remedies + Diet Tips

All of us experience muscle weakness sometime in our lives, be it after a particularly tough workout or due to illness. When your complete effort does not result in normal muscle movements, it can lead to muscle weakness. The good news is that there are a couple of home remedies for muscle weakness you can try to alleviate the symptoms. While muscle weakness may be the result of strenuous physical activity, it can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In that case, consulting your doctor is the best choice. In this article, we look at some of the causes of muscle weakness and a few natural remedies you can try at home.

What Is Muscle Weakness?

Muscle weakness is characterized by the muscles’ lack the strength to carry out daily activities. It can result from injuries, infections, nerve disorders, aging, lack of physical activity, or underlying medical conditions like muscular dystrophy or autoimmune diseases.

One may experience difficulty in lifting objects or standing up from a sitting position. It may affect a single muscle or specific muscle groups, resulting in decreased coordination and mobility, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Physical and occupational therapy, dietary modifications, medication, exercise, and surgical intervention may help treat muscle weakness.

Now that we have discussed what muscle weakness is, let us find out about the different factors that cause this condition in the next section.

What Causes Muscle Weakness?

Muscle weakness could be a result of various health conditions, such as:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy
• Hypotonia or lack of muscle tone
• An autoimmune muscular disorder called Myasthenia gravis
• Nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy
• Sharp or burning pain in one or more nerves, also referred to as neuralgia
• Chronic muscle inflammation called polymyositis
• Stroke
• Polio
• Hypothyroidism
• Elevated blood calcium or hypercalcemia
• Rheumatic fever
• West Nile virusⁱ  A mosquito-transmitted disease that can result in muscle weakness, convulsions, vision loss, paralysis, brain damage, or even death.
• Botulismⁱ  A rare but severe condition that damages the body's nerves, leading to respiratory problems, muscle paralysis, and even death.

Prolonged periods of bed rest or immobility can also cause muscle weakness. Some other diseases known to result in weak muscles are Grave’s diseaseⁱ  An immune system disorder that triggers the production of an excessive amount of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). , Guillain-Barre syndromeⁱ  A rare disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves found outside the brain and spinal cord. , and Lou Gehrig’s diseaseⁱ  A neurological condition, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which impairs physical function and weakens muscles. .

Muscle weakness usually affects the muscles of your arms and legs. It can result in the following symptoms, depending on the underlying cause.

Symptoms Of Muscle Weakness

• Muscle pain
• Muscle cramps
• Atrophy

Most often, muscular weakness is a symptom of a condition that might require immediate medical attention.

Scroll down to find out when exactly you should consult your healthcare provider.

When To Seek Medical Attention

It is essential that you get emergency medical attention for a full examination if you have significant pain or other concerning signs like confusion, breathing difficulties, or loss of bladder control in addition to persistent muscle weakness.

It is always important to find the underlying cause and avail treatment for muscle weakness. Listed below are 12 natural remedies that you can try in conjunction with medical treatments for muscle weakness.

Note: Although these remedies may help ease the symptoms of mild muscle weakness, they may not entirely work for chronic muscle weakness. Hence, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment, which may include physical therapy, medications, and so on.

12 Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Muscle Weakness

1. Eggs

Using eggs is a great natural treatment for myositis. Whole eggs provide your body with the energy and nutrition required for its proper functioning. They are rich in nutrients like vitamin A, riboflavin, protein, and folic acid, all of which are great for the healthy functioning of your body and muscles (1), (2).

You Will Need

1-2 eggs

What You Have To Do

Consume one or two eggs for breakfast. Try having the egg yolk as well as it is rich in protein and various other nutrients.

How Often You Should Do This

Once daily, preferably for breakfast.

Quick Tip

Recipes like scrambled eggs, omelets, shakshuka, zucchini egg cups, eggs on toast, egg salad, egg tacos, egg burritos, or a frittata are the best ways to make eggs for breakfast.

2. Essential Oils

a. Eucalyptus Oil

About 70% of eucalyptus oil is made up of eucalyptol (1, 8-cineole), which gives the oil a majority of its beneficial properties. Eucalyptus oil is a natural muscle relaxer. It exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help in combating the pain and other symptoms associated with muscle weakness (3).

You Will Need

• 12-15 drops of eucalyptus oil
• 30 mL of any carrier oil (coconut or almond oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Add 12-15 drops of eucalyptus oil to 30 mL of any carrier oil and mix well.
2. Apply this blend to the affected muscles.
3. Leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes, after which you can go ahead with a shower.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2 times daily.

b. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil

is another essential oil that may help treat muscle weakness as it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (4), (5). This may help combat muscle aches and spasms.

You Will Need

• 12 drops of rosemary oil
• 30 mL of any carrier oil (coconut, olive or almond oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix 12 drops of rosemary oil with 30 mL of any carrier oil.
2. Apply this mixture evenly to the affected muscles and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Wash the mixture off.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

In addition to possessing anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is loaded with nutrients like potassium, calcium, and B vitamins. Studies show that potassium deficiency can lead to muscle weakness (6). Thus, intake of apple cider vinegar may help in strengthening the muscle, while its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce pain and inflammation.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of warm water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
2. Mix well and add some honey to this solution.
3. Consume the mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Did You Know?

You can also consume apple cider vinegar supplements or add it to your food, especially as a dressing for salads.

4. Milk

Milk intake has shown to improve muscle protein synthesis, and this can contribute to better muscle health (7).

You Will Need

1 glass of milk

What You Have To Do

Consume a glass of plain milk.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times every day. But in case you are allergic to dairy, avoid milk.

5. Almonds

Almonds are rich sources of magnesium and vitamin E and are beneficial for your muscles and overall health. They also convert carbohydrates and proteins from foods to energy (8). This, in turn, can help in combating muscle weakness naturally

You Will Need

• 8-10 soaked almonds
• 1 cup of milk

What You Have To Do

1. Soak almonds overnight and remove their skin.
2. Blend the soaked almonds with a cup of milk.
3. Consume the mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

6. Black Seed Oil

The black seed oil has been widely used for its effectiveness in treating various health issues, including muscle weakness. It contains two compounds – thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone – which exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and healing properties (9),(10). These properties can help in treating weak and sore muscles.

You Will Need

Black seed oil (as required)

What You Have To Do

1. Massage black seed oil onto the affected muscles.
2. Leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes and then wash it off.
3. Alternatively, you can consume a teaspoon of virgin black seed oil.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

7. Vitamin And Minerals

Sufficient intake of certain vitamins

and minerals through your diet can help in treating muscle weakness.

Minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium have important roles in improving the strength and functioning of your muscles (11),(12).

Deficiencies in B vitamins and vitamin D can cause muscle weakness (13).

Hence, follow a healthy and well-balanced diet that includes all the major vitamins and minerals for combating muscle weakness.

Some foods that are rich sources of these nutrients are milk, eggs, fish, poultry, beans, whole grains, avocados, and spinach. Consult your doctor if you want to take additional supplements for any of these nutrients.

8. Indian Gooseberries

Indian gooseberries contain good amounts of calcium, iron, B vitamins, and proteins – all of which are great for treating muscle weakness. They are also natural analgesics that can help relieve the pain associated with weak muscles (14).

You Will Need

• 2-3 Indian gooseberries
• 1-2 tablespoons of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Cut two to three Indian gooseberries into small pieces.
2. Blend them with water and extract their juice.
3. Add some honey to the gooseberry extract and consume immediately.
4. You can also directly chew on gooseberries if you can handle their strong flavor.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

9. Coffee

The major component of coffee is caffeine. Although too much caffeine is not advised, when used in moderate amounts, it revitalizes your muscles and can help combat the symptoms of muscle weakness (15).

You Will Need

1-2 cups of freshly brewed coffee

What You Have To Do

Consume one to two cups of freshly brewed milk/black coffee.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every day.

Note: Moderation is the key. Do not overconsume coffee as it can lead to other disorders like insomnia, restlessness, and stomach upset.

10. Bananas

Bananas provide instant energy to your body and are hence one of the best remedies for muscle weakness. They are rich in potassium and carbohydrates like sucrose and glucose (16). As we are aware, potassium deficiency can restrict blood flow to muscles and cause muscle aches. They also improve metabolic recovery and decrease post-exercise inflammation (17).

You Will Need

1 banana

What You Have To Do

1. Add bananas to your daily diet.
2. You can also blend a banana with milk and consume it.

How Often You Should Do This

You can consume a banana 2 to 3 times daily.

11. Yogurt

Yogurt contains essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and B vitamins that can provide your body and muscles with energy (18), (19). It also contains natural sugars that provide additional support in producing energy for your weak muscles. However, this alone won’t fetch you positive results. Physical training with a proper diet that includes carbohydrates will help you maintain healthy muscles.

You Will Need

1 bowl of plain yogurt

What You Have To Do

Consume a bowl of plain yogurt.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this at least once daily.

12. Potatoes

The potassium-rich potato extract can help in enhancing your muscle movements, thereby helping you combat muscle weakness and its symptoms naturally (20).

You Will Need

1-2 potatoes

What You Have To Do

1. Soak one or two potatoes overnight.
2. Remove the skin in the morning and blend them.
3. You can also add some water to the potatoes to extract their juice easily.
4. Strain the juice and add some honey to it (optional).
5. Drink the juice.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

While these remedies work in your favour and against muscle weakness, you can make a few lifestyle changes to enhance their effectiveness. They are discussed below.

Prevention Tips

• Do mild exercises regularly.
• Take a walk daily.
• Sleep well.
• Keep your stress levels under control. Avail counselling if necessary.
• Practice meditation and yoga.
• Get a body massage done every once in a while to help your muscles recover faster.
• Follow a balanced and nutritious diet.
• Massages help relax muscles and alleviate tension, improving overall muscle health and flexibility.
• Anti-inflammatory herbs, such as ginger or turmeric can improve blood circulation in the affected muscles.

Following a healthy and balanced diet is very important to speed up the recovery of weakened muscles. Here’s a list of foods that can improve muscle weakness.

Best Diet For Muscle Weakness

Include the following foods in your daily diet:

• Nuts

Nuts contain unsaturated fats and nutrients like magnesium. These fats and nutrients supply your muscles with the energy required for its normal functioning (21). Hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, and walnuts are rich in magnesium.

• Fruits And Vegetables

Including fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet helps strengthen your muscles and protects you from infections and diseases that can hinder the functioning of your muscles.

• Whole Grains

Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates and are thus easier to digest than simple carbohydrates. These carbohydrates provide your body with glucose, which is the main source of energy for your muscles and body.

Caution: Do not consume whole grains if you are allergic to gluten.

• Cold-Water Fish

Cold-water fish are rich sources of protein, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for proper growth, repair, and development of your muscles (22). Cold salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel are particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids (23).

Muscles are an integral part of our body and are needed to carry out basic day-to-day activities. Hence, it is wise to avail treatment at the earliest if you have muscle weakness.

Infographic: Important Foods To Have To Combat Muscle Weakness

Eating a nutritious, balanced diet is crucial if you want your weakened muscles to recuperate quickly. All it takes is the right balance of foods in the right recommended proportions, and you are on your way to a smoother fitness journey.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the key natural ingredients you should include in your diet to combat muscle weakness.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do muscles need to recover?

Muscles need 24 hours to a few days to recover from exercise or strenuous activity. However muscle weakness caused due to underlying health conditions may take longer, depending on the condition and its treatment procedures.

Can muscle weakness be cured?

Muscle weakness due to disuse and certain other conditions may be cured, whereas muscle weakness resulting from muscular dystrophy cannot be cured but only managed.

Who treats muscle disorders?

Orthopedists treat muscle disorders. They treat muscle and joint disorders and also perform surgeries if needed.

What types of stretching can help alleviate muscle weakness?

PNF stretching is one of the most effective ways to alleviate muscle weakness. It improves your range of motion and the length of the muscle. It involves both stretching and contracting.

Can heat or cold therapy help alleviate muscle weakness?

Both heat and ice therapy can help improve the muscles. Heat therapy can improve blood circulation, promote blood flow, and help relax sore muscles. Cold therapy is good to reduce inflammation.

Illustration: Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Muscle Weakness: Causes And Diet

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn more about muscle weakness, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Watch the video below to understand the condition better and how to manage it.

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Caroline DuncanM.D

   

Caroline C. Duncan graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in May of 2017, where her interests were primarily psychiatric, neurologic, and pharmacologic in nature. She served on the editorial board for the school’s literary and artistic publication Humanitas and was editor-in-chief in her fourth and final year.

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Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

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