It is said that “the old roots of the tree wither first, and the old people’s legs will fade first”. Many elderly people have verified this sentence. After entering old age, the muscles atrophy, the legs and feet become more difficult, and they are even more reluctant to move. , at most in the park downstairs, unable to go far, and feel tired after walking a few steps. Every time I walk, I feel like a toddler, walking weakly, unsteadily, like stepping on cotton. Is this the case for all elderly people? How should I improve?
In the subconscious of most people, as the elderly increase in age, their body organs are degrading, and it is a normal phenomenon that physical fitness and walking speed become slower. In fact, this is a wrong idea. Although the body organs of the elderly are deteriorating, it is also within a limited range. Otherwise, those elderly people who can walk briskly or do some difficult movements in the park after entering old age are all “gods”. “Human”? Human organs need constant exercise to become more flexible. The same is true for the elderly. Not all the elderly will have weak legs.
What causes the elderly to walk with weak legs like stepping on cotton?
< strong>1. Sedentary for a long time
Many elderly people have nothing to do after they retire. They lie or sit at home every day, watching TV and newspapers. As everyone knows, this behavior will accelerate the pace of aging in the elderly. If we sit still for a long time and blood pressure does not circulate, it will not only lead to decreased bone density, osteoporosis, and brittle bones, but also may lead to arteriosclerosis, which will lead to a series of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, the elderly should not sit for a long time or keep a motion still, and should do appropriate exercise.
2. Lumbar spinal stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs in many elderly people. It is a degenerative disease and may be congenital It may also be caused by acquired lumbar spine damage, bone hyperplasia, etc.. Nerves can be irritated when the lumbar spinal canal is narrowed. You may experience numbness and weakness in your limbs. Do not ignore this symptom. You should check to find out the cause and carry out targeted treatment. If the lumbar spinal stenosis continues to compress the nerve, it may also lead to paralysis of the lower limbs.
3. Cerebrovascular disease
If the elderly have lower limb weakness, they should first observe whether one leg is weak or both legs feel weak too tired. Under normal circumstances, if one leg is weak and there are no symptoms, it is necessary to consider whether it is related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It is best to do an examination to control the disease and do a good job in prevention. If it is cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, there may be the possibility of paralysis of the lower limbs, so be sure to pay attention.
The elderly suffer from lower limb weakness, how to improve this symptom?
1, Strengthening exercise
As we said above, the body is like a machine, if the number of exercise is reduced, then the body will slowly age. The organs of the elderly are constantly aging. If they do not exercise more, the body will become more fragile, the bone density will decrease, and the body’s immunity will also decline, which will lead to more diseases. Therefore, the elderly should also adhere to regular exercise, such as walking, race walking, Tai Chi, square dancing, etc. Going out and exercising will not only make the body stronger, but also the mood will become better, and it is easier to live longer.
2. Massage the calf
The elderly can properly massage the calf to promote blood circulation, which can improve lower limb weakness, low back pain symptoms. Clamp the calf with both hands and rub it for 3-5 minutes each time, once or twice a day.
3. Supplemental nutrition
The bones of people will change continuously with the increase of age. The bone density of the elderly increases continuously from birth, reaches a peak value at the age of 25, and then continues to decline. The bone density of the elderly decreases, which is prone to osteoporosis and other bone diseases, resulting in weakness of the limbs, headless pain, hunchback and other symptoms , which will seriously affect the normal life and physical and mental health of the elderly. Therefore, the elderly should pay attention to calcium supplementation and appropriately increase the intake of dairy and soy products. It is recommended to drink a glass of 250ml of milk every day.
There are many reasons for the weakness of the lower limbs in the elderly. We should first find out the reasons and make targeted improvements. Usually, we must pay attention to the importance of exercise. We should not stop exercising because we feel tired. Over time, the body’s organs will age faster, endangering health.
References:
1. “What Causes Lower Limb Weakness? These 4 Diseases Are Threatening Your Health”·Health Times·2020.7.20
< p>2. “What should the elderly do to maintain health? The old Chinese medicine gives you 3 tips” · People’s Daily Online · 2022.2.20