I’ve conversed with Asians and Orientals who’ve repeatedly said that Americans have weak legs. I protested that such assumptions were merely speculation. There are many Americans I can point to who have very strong legs. However, it does seem that there are also a good number of people who have very weak legs in the western world compared to those I’ve met overseas. For example, Japanese have very wobbly legs, but generally are strong walkers. Perhaps, it is the constant usage of the legs that makes the difference between cultures. More specifically, the Japanese tend to use public transportation more than Americans do on average. The general terrain in Japan is mountainous. This means that walking to places is a vigorous task (It is particularly exhausting for me every time I visit one of the shrines in Japan).

The manner in which people sit may have an effect on the lower back. For example, crossing one leg over the other puts some pressure on the lower spine. After sitting with my right leg crossed over the left knee, I find it difficult to change to the left leg over the right knee. Why is this? My guess is that this style of sitting in western culture, particularly in business meetings, is generally not good for the body.

Having addressed the way in which Americans tend to sit, there is still a problem to address. This problem is poor diet and lack of exercise. Well, we’re already moving toward a culture of health conscious Americans. Additionally, people are changing their diets to some degree. Still, many of us have weak knees or shaky legs.

I’m going to name a few things I can think of which may contribute to weak or shaky limbs in general. One is undernourishment. People tend to eat just meat and carbohydrates. People need to eat some fruits and vegetables. I can attest to this fact because my current diet in Japan has improved my overall health significantly.

Another contributor to poor legs might be the consumption of beverages containing high amounts of sodium. Diet Coke was something I had suspected of causing leg cramps for years. Interestingly enough, the cramps went away after I stopped drinking Diet Coke. I don’t know why this is, but I think it is something worth considering in your own diet.

Overstimulation can cause weakness in the arms and legs. These stimulators include things like coffee or mass amounts of processed goods. Sugar in large quantities is generally not good.

One thing I’ve puzzled over is the question of genetically inherited illnesses. For example, my grandfather had the same leg problems that I have. Yet, my grandfather fought through the Second World War and the Korean War as a paratrooper and sharp-shooter. So, does having a problem with the legs have to stop you from being your best? In truth, such problems can be overcome with persistence and willpower. However, as we grow older the problems become very apparent. In my grandfather’s case, his pain was overwhelming as he approached his final years in life. Is there anything one can do to overcome leg pain and weak limbs? I wouldn’t write about a problem without providing a solution for my readers. I feel obligated to provide a means of solving a problem when I address one. To avoid stating a resolution to a problem is falls short of being informative, and is really only a complaint (something our current generations should keep in mind). 

Resolutions and Remedies
To decrease pain, increase your circulation of blood flow. Cardiovascular exercise and walking should be on your list of things to do about the problem. Jogging, however, can be damaging to the knees. We’re all made of different builds, so you will have to decide how much physical abuse your body can handle. Keep in mind to watch your diet, and keep away from stress.

For leg cramps read this informative article. For shaky legs or weak limbs, find remedies here.

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Leg cramps
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