Why do my arms and legs lose strength after a fall.

Posted by byrnes32 @byrnes32, Apr 7 3:44pm

Started to fall within the last month. At first tripping on a ridge in the cement walkway. Except for a cut on the arm and a groin strain, I had no problem getting up.
Second fall outside my apartment. Just seemed in the wrong physical attitude (bent over) and a went with it. Had to be helped to stand up. No strength in my arms. Very weak!
Third event in the bathroom, again, found myself in the wrong physical attitude and went the floor. I fell on my side and did not feel too bad. But could not get up. Arms weak as a kitten! I live alone so i made myself crawl to my bed and phone.
My question is, What happened to my strength??

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joanland | @joanland | Apr 7 5:49pm

My suggestion would be to schedule a visit with your neurologist. She/he would be much better equipped to figure out why than I am.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 7 7:04pm

@byrnes32 Welcome to Mayo Connect, I'm glad you found us to talk about this scary situation!

We recently had a situation in the family where a new medication interacted with both another med and a preexisting condition, leading to some scary falls. Once the med was stopped and a complete physical performed to rule out more serious matters, the situation resolved.

What do your doctors have to say about the falls? What physical ailments are you living with that might affect your balance? And most important, have you had any changes in medications recently?

One small suggestion since you live alone - maybe it is time to get an Alert bracelet or pendant that you wear ALL THE TIME to summon help if needed. There are many choices around and they can truly be a lifesaver in an emergency.

Looking forward to hearing what your doctors find for you.
Sue

nathandavid | @nathandavid | Apr 8 8:28am

You could have a medical condition that is throwing your balance off and/or weakness of muscles of feet and legs. See a Neurologist first then depending on the work up and any diagnoses start some balance exercises like or chair yoga. You need a diagnosis.

edsutton | @edsutton | Apr 8 9:08am

Please inform your doctor immediately!
A good physical/occupational therapist can help you shape your home to maximize safety from falls.

gloaming | @gloaming | Apr 8 1:21pm

I'm sorry you have had these falls. They are at best unnerving if they don't leave you injured, but obviously you do not want to fall, not if you are over the age of 65-70...although individuals vary.

Possibilities? Drugs (correctly dispensed or dispensed in error, mislabeled, under or over-dosed, past due date, etc.

Disease - several possibilities, myasthenia, MS, hidden stroke, vestibular system malfunction/deterioration (your balance system), neurological disease or disorder, etc...

Loss of muscle mass beyond a safe point

Hidden heart malfunction, especially age-related arrhythmias

Sleep apnea

Respiratory disease, diseased lungs, ...

dollyme | @dollyme | Apr 9 6:48am

I am not clinically trained so I have no exact idea why this is happening however, my friend has very similar occurrences and he has MS, this was one of his signs when he began this journey.

Time to go to your doctor and explain your symptoms so that you can get the proper diagnosis.

Me, I have Meiners disease, so Vertigo is part of my life, and yes, I fall more than most but I am able to get back up myself. I am 77.

Sending support your way.

samcal9977zz | @samcal9977zz | Apr 9 7:29am

Falling has to be managed. Falling three times? Some medical professional has got to get in there and find out what is going on.

You can fall and not think you have done much damage, but actually have done plenty of damage.

All needs to be assessed (and right away) by a medical professional.

raye | @raye | Apr 10 8:02pm

Wish I could answer your question. A different question comes to mind; have you installed grab bars in your bathroom? Home Depot carries them in different lengths. Google their installation. Horizontal position advised. Some plumbers can install them.