What Are the Causes of Sore Leg Muscles With Weakness?

The most common causes of muscle pain are dehydration, overuse, injuries, and stress. There are three degrees, or types, of muscle injury. The first two can cause pain, soreness, and weakness; however, the third is severe enough to cause extreme pain.

Dehydration

A muscle cramp, sometimes called a "charley horse," is a common cramp due to dehydration, or lack of potassium, sodium, calcium or magnesium.

General Overuse

Muscle cramps can also occur because of overuse, or exercising the same muscle too much. Additionally, holding a muscle in a single position for a long time can cause soreness.

First Degree Tear

Leg injuries like muscle tears occur because of overuse, or direct impacts. The first category causes mild pain and is often called a pulled muscle.

Second Degree Tear

This type of tear is more serious and will cause great pain with any contraction. This type of tear makes walking difficult, and will cause limping.

Third Degree Tear

A third degree tear is when the muscle completely rips. It is not possible to contract it. Internal bleeding occurs, and surgery may be needed for it to heal properly.

References

• Medline Plus: Leg Pain
• Sportsdoctor: That Painful Pull