References

Fatigue and weakness are often used to describe the same thing. But they actually are different. Both weakness and fatigue are symptoms, not diseases. Because symptoms can be caused by many other health problems, the importance of weakness and fatigue can be determined only when symptoms are evaluated. Finding and addressing these symptoms early improves your odds on successful treatment. Discover what to look for below.

Weakness

Weakness is a lack of physical or muscle strength and the feeling that extra effort is required to move your arms, legs, or other muscles. General Weakness often occurs after you have done too much activity at one time. You may feel weak and tired, or your muscles may be sore. These sensations usually go away within a few days.

Fatigue

Fatigue is an extreme feeling of tiredness or lack of energy, often described as being exhausted. Fatigue is something that lasts even when a person seems to be getting enough sleep. Spotting symptoms early and taking action may save your life.

What to look for:

Feeling exhausted after getting extensive sleep
Trouble sleeping
Stay in bed for more than 24 hours. Hard to get up in the morning
Having to nap constantly
Lack of energy, the entire body feels fatigued and weak. Just want to stay in bed all day
Feeling tired and it is not related to any activity
More tired than usual during or after an activity
Lack interest to participate in normal activities, work, social life or things you enjoy doing
Arms and legs feel heavy and hard to move
Pain in muscles- hard to climb stairs or walk short distances
Breathless after doing small tasks, like having a shower or making bed
Finding it hard to concentrate, even just watching TV or talking to a good friend
Finding it hard to think clearly or make decisions easily
Negative feelings about yourself and other
Feeling anxious, sad, or depressed

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