Sometimes we feel weak in our legs and we don’t know why. It can occur in one leg or both legs, and can develop suddenly or gradually over weeks. The reason may be mild, such as overactivity/overload of the leg muscles. In some cases it is linked to an underlying medical cause (such as a herniated disc, peripheral neuropathy). But in some cases, leg weakness can indicate a serious health problem (especially in the case of sudden leg weakness), for example, cerebral stroke, a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Depending on the cause of the leg weakness, other symptoms may occur, including leg pain, numbness or tingling in the legs, difficulty standing or walking, back pain that may radiate downward, and the inability to move the leg. legs to move (paralysis).
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medicines have a wide scope in treating cases of leg weakness. The use of these medicines is recommended only in cases where leg weakness occurs gradually and there is no serious cause associated with leg weakness. Homeopathic medicines work naturally to control leg weakness along with guiding symptoms such as pain, tingling and numbness in the legs. These medications are free from side effects. Since leg weakness can develop due to a serious condition, it is advised that any case of leg weakness be evaluated by a doctor so that the condition can be diagnosed correctly, followed by the right treatment at the right time. Self-medication should be avoided in any case. In case of sudden onset of leg weakness and in case of serious causes such as cerebral stroke, emergency medical attention should be sought.
Homeopathic medicines for weakness in legs
1. Gelsemium – Top product
Gelsemium is a very effective medicine to control leg weakness. In cases where this is necessary, weakness is felt with the slightest effort. Weakness may be accompanied by numbness and heaviness in the legs. There may be trembling legs. Gelsemium is also indicated if all limbs feel weak. Pulling or cramping pain may be felt while walking.
2. Causticum – For pain in the legs
Causticum is a very beneficial medicine for leg weakness. People complain of pulling and tearing pain in the legs and thighs. In the morning while you are still in bed, you feel cramps in the calf muscles. The legs may be painful when touched in the front. Unbearable discomfort or tremors may be felt in the limbs.
3. Alumina – To control the weakness of the legs along with heaviness
It is another useful medicine for controlling leg weakness. In cases where this is necessary, the legs feel not only weak but also very heavy. While walking, a person may stagger (loss of balance). Numbness and stiffness in the legs may occur, usually at night. Tearing pain may be felt in the legs when lying or sitting, usually at night. Legs feel tired and exhausted while sitting.
4. Picric acid – with numbness or prickling sensation in the legs
This medicine is especially indicated when, in addition to weakness in the legs, there is numbness or a pricking sensation, such as with needles. A crawling feeling in the legs may also occur. Especially after exertion, an excessive feeling of heaviness is felt in the legs. The legs can be as heavy as metal lead and difficult to lift off the floor. The muscles may be painful when touched.
5. Phosphorus – with missteps while walking
Phosphorus is beneficial for weakness in the legs that leads to missteps (unsteady gait) while walking. Legs feel tired and heavy. The legs may feel cold and sweat. Weakness and heaviness are worse as you go up. In addition to the above complaints, drawing pains in the legs may also occur. The limbs may tremble during exertion. Tingling and formication (crawling sensation) may also be felt in the extremities.
6. Argentum Nitricum – For weakness in the legs and trembling
This medicine is useful if weakness in the legs is accompanied by trembling. There is difficulty standing and walking. Legs also feel heavy. The legs feel as if they are made of wood. Legs become stiff and stiff. Pain is felt in the calf muscles that become troublesome at night.
7. Aesculus – For weakness in legs and back
This medicine is well indicated for weakness in the legs and back. People who need this have great difficulty walking and have to lie down. There may be pain in the legs and become painful when walking.
8. Conium – When walking is difficult
Conium works well for weakness of the legs when walking is difficult. There is a dragging feeling and discomfort in the legs. Heaviness is also felt in the limbs. In some cases, trembling of the limbs may occur. Feet can get cold.
What are the causes of weakness in the legs?
1. Slipped disc and pinched nerve – It refers to a condition in which the gel-like substance in the intervertebral disc protrudes through a tear in the outer shell. It often occurs in the lower back at the L5-S1 level. A slip disc in the lower back can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can lead to lower back pain that extends down the leg (called sciatica), numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness in the lower extremities. In mild cases, emergency care is not necessary. But if there is loss of bowel or bladder control, it indicates a serious problem that requires urgent medical attention.
2. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) – In this medical condition, muscle pain is felt after about one or two days of physical exertion. Those who have been doing leg exercises may feel temporary weakness in their legs for several days.
3. Peripheral neuropathy – It refers to the damage to nerves other than those of the brain and spinal cord (means peripheral nervous system). It can happen due to an injury, diabetes, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) or an infection. It usually starts with numbness/tingling in the hands and feet. The other symptoms are weakness, burning sensation, pain and difficulty walking.
4. Multiple Sclerosis – It refers to an autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath that protects the nerves. It can present with various types of symptoms, including muscle weakness, difficulty walking, muscle stiffness, and tremors.
5. Compression of the spine – Compression of nerves in the spine is caused, for example, by an abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), bone spurs (extra bony growths), a tumor on the spine or a broken vertebra.
6. Myasthenia gravis – A condition leading to weakness in voluntary skeletal muscles. Symptoms include drooping eyelids, muscle weakness in arms, legs, hands or feet, difficulty speaking/swallowing, double vision.
7. Guillain-Barre Syndrome – An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the nerves causing weakness, tingling and numbness, usually starting in the feet and legs. The symptoms eventually spread upward. If not treated on time, it can paralyze the entire body and prove to be life-threatening.
8. ALS (Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis) – In this condition, the neurons that control voluntary muscle movement become damaged and stop functioning, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. It can cause weakness in legs or arms, muscle stiffness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, difficulty walking, and easy falling.
9. Cauda Equina Syndrome – This syndrome involves compression of a bundle of nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Symptoms include numbness in the back of the legs, hips, inner thighs, back pain, sciatica and weakness in the legs. It is a medical emergency and if medical attention is not given immediately, it can cause permanent weakness/paralysis of the legs and loss of bladder/bowel control.
10. Beriberi – A deficiency of vitamin B1 can damage the nerves, brain and heart. It can cause weakness, nerve pain, memory loss and heart failure.
11. Stroke – It is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. It refers to an interrupted oxygen supply (due to blockage/bursting of blood vessels) to the brain that causes the death of brain cells and loss of brain function. The symptoms come on suddenly and depend on the part of the brain affected. Symptoms include weakness in the legs, numbness/weakness in arms or face, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbances, difficulty walking, and loss of balance.