Your calf muscles, comprised of the soleus and the gastrocnemius, are important in your bipedal motion. You use them to walk, run and jump. As such integral muscles, they are prone to injury if not properly strengthened and stretched.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease that leads to progressive weakness and degeneration of the muscles that control movement. The most common form of muscular dystrophy is duchenne.

The differences between chiropractors and osteopathic physicians seem subtle when the philosophies are compared. The differences become obvious when considering the scope of practice and the educational requirements of the two. Both subscribe to the whole body concept of treatment.

A strain takes place when muscle fibers get overstretched and slightly torn. This injury is less severe than a pull, which causes larger tears in the muscle. Pain and tightness in the affected muscle are the most common symptoms of a strain.

The next time you drink diet soda or eat low-fat yogurt, look closely at the labels; the sweetness you taste may be due to the artificial sweetener aspartame. This commonly used sweetener is touted as "diet" because it does not contain any calories.

In many cases, feeling thigh pain while cycling is not related to major medical problems. Chafing, cramps and general tiredness in the muscles can all trigger thigh pain. However, you may be able to both prevent future symptoms and find out if your pain is cause for concern.

Muscle problems have many possible causes. Inflammation of the muscle, called myositis, causes muscle weakness and wasting. Several types of drugs are linked to the development of myositis in some people.

There are numerous treatments for bone spurs or degenerative joint disease of the neck, also called osteoarthritis or OA, which typically responds well to conservative care methods.

A herniated cervical disk can cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that can begin in the neck and radiate into the arms and hands.

Swollen legs and feet can occur as the result of fluid retention, also called edema, or after sustaining an injury or undergoing surgery. Swelling is a natural response to trauma, but too much swelling can increase your pain and interfere with the healing process.

A compression fracture is the collapse of the vertebral spine usually caused by trauma to the spine, osteoporosis or tumors on the spine. They are most often found in the elderly with osteoporosis.

If you are experiencing weak leg muscles, contact your doctor to determine the cause. Weak leg muscles can be from over-activity, serious illness, pain or vitamin deficiency. Muscles require nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and adequate fluids to function properly and at optimum levels.