Dominic Stone
There are many reasons why weak muscles shake, and it can be a symptom of a wide range of medical conditions. Shaking muscles can be caused by low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, which can be brought on by exercise or physical activity. This can also be caused by diabetes, when too much insulin or medication is taken. Muscle fatigue is another common cause of muscle shaking, as the muscle rapidly alternates between contractions and relaxations, resulting in tremors. This can be caused by a loss of force in the central nervous system. Tremors can also be caused by stress, caffeine, dehydration, ageing, and chronic conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle weakness | Chronic conditions, acute infections, medications, hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, caffeine, dehydration, lack of exercise, chronic fatigue syndrome |
| Tremors | Involuntary muscle contractions, rhythmic, occur in one or more parts of the body, may come and go, may be constant, may be caused by another disorder, not life-threatening |
| Muscle fatigue | Central nervous system (CNS) fires motor units to contract muscles, longer workout durations lead to slower and less intense signals, causing muscles to alternate between contractions and relaxations |
| Parkinson's disease | Neurological disease, fixed inexpressive face, tremors at rest, slow voluntary movements, peculiar posture, caused by degeneration of basal ganglia and low production of neurotransmitter dopamine |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle fatigue
The CNS can also lose its ability to forcefully move the muscles, leading to fatigue and shaking or twitching. Other signs of muscle fatigue include weakness, hunger, headache, dizziness, confusion, irritability, etc. Fatigue can also be caused by low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia, which can occur when a person with diabetes takes more insulin than they need.
Shaking can also be caused by trying out a new movement or lifting a heavier weight. In both cases, shaking is a sign that the nervous system is trying to recruit more muscle fibres to get the job done. As muscle fibres become fatigued during exercise, the body needs to stimulate more muscle fibres, requiring more motor neurons to fire. The impulses travelling through the nervous system to carry out the activity are what cause the muscles to twitch and shake.
Shaking can also happen when a muscle is held in one position for a long time. This is because some motor units in the muscles are only used for powerful movements. When a muscle is held in place for a long time, these motor units are activated to provide more force, which can result in shaking. Typically, tremors occur in the muscles being worked. For example, during or after planks, your arms and core may shake.
If you experience ongoing symptoms of fatigue, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
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Low blood sugar
Hypoglycemia is most common in people with diabetes, especially Type 1 diabetes, and can be caused by taking too much insulin or diabetes medication. It can also occur when people with diabetes wait too long to eat a meal after taking insulin, or when they exercise more than usual. In rare cases, hypoglycemia can occur in people without diabetes, and this can be caused by not eating enough carbohydrates, liver disease, kidney disorders, or certain medications.
The symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, fatigue, hunger, headache, dizziness, confusion, irritability, weakness, and a faster heartbeat. These symptoms can vary from person to person, and they can go away after a few months, only to return if blood sugar levels drop again. If left untreated, severe low blood sugar can be life-threatening and may lead to a coma or death.
If you are experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, you should consume carbohydrates or glucose. It is recommended to eat 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrates or glucose, then check your blood sugar levels after 15 minutes. Eat another snack and repeat until your blood sugar levels are within a normal range. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
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Chronic conditions
Muscle weakness can be a symptom of many chronic conditions, infections, or acute infections. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. Some of the chronic conditions that cause muscle weakness include:
Addison's disease
Addison's disease occurs when a person's adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
Anemia
Anemia occurs when a person's hemoglobin levels are low, often due to an iron deficiency.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a complex and serious condition that can affect various systems and functions in the body.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes muscle pain and weakness, in addition to other symptoms such as fatigue and insomnia.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause muscle weakness and cramping, which may worsen with exercise and physical activity.
Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia can result in daytime muscle weakness and fatigue.
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory muscular disorder that can cause stiff, sore, and weakened muscles.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis usually causes weakness in the muscles near the body's trunk, such as the hip, thigh, neck, and shoulder muscles.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that attacks the lining of the joints. Commonly affected areas include the hands and feet.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition that usually affects the lungs and lymph glands, causing irritated tissue masses.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is caused by a bite from an infected tick and can lead to acute or chronic symptoms, including muscle weakness.
HIV
HIV can cause progressive muscle weakness, especially in individuals who do not receive treatment.
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive neurological disease that can lead to muscle weakness, tremors, and slowing of voluntary movements.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis can cause muscle weakness, and physical therapy can help strengthen weakened muscles.
Becker muscular dystrophy
Becker muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that usually affects males and younger people, resulting in rapid progressive muscle weakness.
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are other chronic conditions that can also cause muscle weakness and shaking. If you are experiencing persistent muscle weakness or shaking, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Neurological disorders
Muscle weakness and shaking can be a symptom of many medical conditions, including neurological disorders. Neuromuscular disorders affect the nerves that control voluntary muscles and the nerves that communicate sensory information back to the brain. When the nerve cells become unhealthy or die, the communication between the nervous system and muscles breaks down, resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy.
Neurological conditions are often progressive, meaning they tend to get worse over time. Neuromuscular disorders can be inherited or caused by a spontaneous gene mutation, and some may also be caused by immune system disorders. Some neuromuscular disorders have symptoms that begin in infancy, while others may appear in childhood or adulthood.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that can cause mild to severe muscle weakness. Botulism, a rare condition caused by exposure to botulinum toxin, also causes progressive muscle weakness. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system interferes with how nerves and muscles communicate, resulting in muscle weakness. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is another autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks and damages nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads to the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive muscle weakness.
Other neurological disorders that can cause tremors and shaking include essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Essential tremor is the most common type, usually affecting the hands and arms while moving, and can also affect the head, voice, or legs. Dystonic tremor, which occurs in people with dystonia, a movement disorder, causes involuntary muscle contractions that result in twisting and repetitive movements. Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive neurological disorder characterised by a fixed inexpressive face, tremors at rest, slowing of voluntary movements, peculiar posture, and muscle weakness.
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Lack of exercise
Additionally, muscle fatigue is a common cause of tremors during and after exercise. As you work out, your muscles use glucose for fuel, and over time, your glucose levels can become depleted, leading to fatigue and shaking. Proper nutrition and hydration before and after exercise can help prevent this. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recommends specific fluid intake guidelines to maintain hydration and support muscle function.
Furthermore, dehydration is another factor that can contribute to muscle shaking. Intense physical activity can lead to excessive sweating and fluid loss, resulting in dehydration if fluid intake is insufficient. Electrolyte imbalances due to dehydration can affect nerve and muscle function, causing shaking. Maintaining adequate hydration before, during, and after exercise is essential to prevent dehydration-related muscle shaking.
It's important to note that while muscle shaking during exercise is usually not a cause for concern, if it persists for an extended period or occurs when you are not exercising, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions or nutritional deficiencies.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle fatigue is a common reason for muscle tremors after exercise. As your muscles tire, your central nervous system (CNS) may lose its ability to forcefully move your muscles, resulting in shaking or twitching.
Your muscles may shake during a workout because you are trying a new movement or lifting a heavier weight. In both cases, shaking is a sign that your nervous system is trying to recruit more muscle fibres to get the job done.
Muscle weakness and shaking could be a symptom of a chronic condition or acute infection. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. If you are concerned, consult your doctor.
Some motor units in your muscles are only used for powerful movements. When you hold a muscle in place for a long time, these motor units are activated to provide more force, which can result in shaking.
Shaking can be a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, which involves severe tiredness, sleep problems, and difficulty thinking. Shaking can also be a symptom of chronic or severe stress.
