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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Muscle Weakness And Poor Balance For An 80-year-old Male?

my 80 year old dad fell from a ladder and broke his arm 7 weeks ago. since then the arm has mended but he has become more frail, keeps falling and has leg weakness which stops him form doing physiotherapy. What can be causing this muscle weakness and poor balance?
Fri, 4 Oct 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

The commonest cause of muscle weakness in the elderly is a generalized weakness. Other factors can be muscular dystrophy with muscle atrophy & hypotonia, vitamin D deficiency or age related muscle loss.

Poor balance in the elderly is arthritis & orthostatic hypotension. It can be improved by physiotherapy & regular exercise along with medicines & follow up treatment to correct the underlying cause.

You are suggested to get your dad a thorough medical check-up done to rule out any developing pathology or deficiencies. In the meantime, he can take vitamin B6, B12 & minerals( Zinc, magnesium, calcium) rich food or supplements.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Muscle Weakness And Poor Balance For An 80-year-old Male?

Hello, The commonest cause of muscle weakness in the elderly is a generalized weakness. Other factors can be muscular dystrophy with muscle atrophy & hypotonia, vitamin D deficiency or age related muscle loss. Poor balance in the elderly is arthritis & orthostatic hypotension. It can be improved by physiotherapy & regular exercise along with medicines & follow up treatment to correct the underlying cause. You are suggested to get your dad a thorough medical check-up done to rule out any developing pathology or deficiencies. In the meantime, he can take vitamin B6, B12 & minerals( Zinc, magnesium, calcium) rich food or supplements. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician