WASHINGTON — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell continues to feel the repercussions of a recent fall that occurred earlier this week, resulting in his absence from the voting session on Thursday due to leg stiffness, as revealed by his office.

McConnell experienced the fall on Tuesday while outside a Senate party luncheon, resulting in a sprained wrist and facial cuts. Although he promptly returned to his duties in the Capitol shortly afterward, his office informed the public on Thursday that he is currently dealing with stiffness in his leg as a consequence of the incident and has decided to work from home.

This incident adds to a series of health-related challenges McConnell has faced, especially as he prepares to step down from his leadership role at the year’s end. Earlier this year, in March, he was hospitalized due to a concussion resulting from another fall at a hotel in downtown Washington. Following his recovery, he faced significant challenges, including having episodes where he seemed to freeze during press conferences that summer, requiring assistance from those around him.

In addition to these recent issues, McConnell also suffered a fall at his Kentucky residence in 2019, which led to a shoulder fracture that necessitated surgical intervention. McConnell has openly discussed his struggles with mobility, a condition that dates back to his early childhood when he contracted polio, which has contributed to his ongoing challenges with walking and climbing stairs.

After serving for over 40 years in the Senate and holding the party leadership for nearly two decades, McConnell confirmed in March his intention to relinquish his leadership position at the end of the current year. Nevertheless, he will continue his tenure in the Senate, where he is set to lead the Senate Rules Committee.

Additionally, South Dakota Senator John Thune has been elected to take over as the next Senate leader following the expected Republican majority beginning in January.