Carrying groceries. Lifting a suitcase. Moving a laundry basket. These simple tasks can suddenly feel impossible when you experience unexpected muscle weakness or pain. Many people attribute such symptoms to “getting older,” but difficulty lifting objects (especially when it’s new or worsening) should not be ignored.
There are a number of musculoskeletal and neurological reasons behind decreased strength or impaired movement. Some are temporary, while others require medical evaluation and treatment.
Understanding what might be behind the change is the first step toward resolving it.
When Everyday Lifting Becomes a Challenge
Lifting requires the coordination of muscles, joints, and nerves. When any part of this system becomes compromised, tasks like raising your arms above your head or lifting a moderately heavy object can become noticeably difficult or even painful.
Here are some of the more common causes behind muscle weakness and difficulty lifting:
Musculoskeletal Causes
1. Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Injuries to this area (such as strains, tears, or inflammation) can lead to pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. You might notice difficulty lifting your arm or holding weight away from your body.
2. Tendonitis or Bursitis
Inflammation of tendons (tendonitis) or the small fluid-filled sacs near joints (bursitis) can affect lifting ability. This often occurs in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist, especially after repetitive movements or overuse.
3. Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and other forms of joint inflammation can limit mobility and strength. In the upper body, arthritis may affect the shoulder, spine, or hands, making it difficult to grip or raise objects.
4. Muscle Strains or Tears
Overexertion, lifting with poor technique, or a previous injury can result in strained muscles. Even a mild strain can reduce functional strength until the muscle heals.
5. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
This condition leads to stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, limiting your ability to lift your arm. It tends to develop gradually and is often more common in individuals with diabetes or after a period of shoulder immobility.
Neurological Causes
1. Cervical Spine Disorders
Conditions such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis in the neck can compress nerves that control arm and shoulder function. You may notice weakness, numbness, or tingling along with difficulty lifting.
2. Nerve Compression Syndromes
Issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome (in the wrist) or thoracic outlet syndrome (in the shoulder area) can interfere with nerve signals. These syndromes may affect your grip strength and coordination, making it hard to carry objects.
3. Neuromuscular Disorders
More rarely, progressive conditions such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) may cause gradual muscle weakness and difficulty with lifting or holding objects. These conditions usually come with other symptoms and require specialized care.
4. Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Sudden weakness or loss of function on one side of the body should never be ignored. If you notice abrupt difficulty lifting one arm or leg, especially when paired with other symptoms like slurred speech or facial drooping, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It’s important to differentiate between occasional soreness and ongoing functional loss. If you are consistently having trouble lifting everyday objects or find that your strength is not returning after rest, it may be time to consult a physician.
Seek medical evaluation if you experience:
- Sudden or unexplained weakness in the arm, hand, or shoulder
- Progressive loss of strength over time
- Pain that worsens with lifting or motion
- Numbness, tingling, or radiating pain
- Difficulty gripping or holding items
- Weakness following an injury or a fall
Early evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms are related to a muscle, joint, or nerve issue and guide you to appropriate treatment options.
Evaluating Muscle Weakness and Lifting Difficulties
The physicians at Houston Physicians Hospital specialize in diagnosing and treating the root causes of muscle weakness and difficulty lifting.
Whether the cause is muscular, joint-related, or neurological, seeking care early can help you regain strength and restore confidence in your movement.
On the Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence page, you can scroll down and find a physician who’s right for you. Then click their bio to visit their website and make an appointment.
The physicians at Houston Physicians Hospital treat neck pain, back surgery in Webster, TX, shoulder pain, and hip arthritis treatments in Webster, TX.