What Does ALS Muscle Weakness Feel Like?

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PeteBo

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Learn about ALS
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Hi all, I'm probably being a hypochondriac but as it's not convenient to go to see a GP at the current time and I seem to spend all day wondering about these symptoms I thought I'd ask here for some advice. I'm a 31 year old Male.

It started off a few weeks ago with muscle twitching in legs, neck and back. Since then I've noticed pain in left forearm and wrist with slight coordination issues when using fingers (typing etc. Particularly with thumb). I don't think I've noticed any weakness performing tasks or atrophy but I'm wondering what ALS weakness is like when experienced? Is it the simple action of not being able to do something? Or is it the feeling of weakness even if you're able to perform usual tasks?

At the moment my left arm almost feels dead and lifeless, sort of a light aching pain and heavy pulsing (don't think its fasics). Additionally pain at join between inner elbow and forearm muscle as in the sort of pain you get when over stretching or lifting a weight that was too heavy in the gym. My wrist aches and feels tired but no real pain.

I'm just curious if this type of pain is typical of early ALS symptoms?

I'm hoping that this is just anxiety that's been driven from being stuck indoors for several weeks. It's been around 10 days from noticing persistent twitches until now, although twitches have been occurring for past weeks but only become more frequent for past 10 days.

One other thing to note is that I went to my local health centre 2 months ago and was diagnosed with tendonitis in my right wrist, it was restrictive and painful but that has subsided I still have movement issues and pain when putting pressure on it.

I hope you can advise and help me understand the muscle weakness symptoms and advise if mine fit a typical pattern of ALS.

Many thanks.
 
At the moment my left arm almost feels dead and lifeless, sort of a light aching pain and heavy pulsing (don't think its fasics). Additionally pain at join between inner elbow and forearm muscle as in the sort of pain you get when over stretching or lifting a weight that was too heavy in the gym. My wrist aches and feels tired but no real pain.

I'm just curious if this type of pain is typical of early ALS symptoms?
Not at all. And you are describing sensory symptoms. As Nikki says, there is no abnormal sensation associated with the weakness of ALS.
 
Thanks. I think what I was trying to achieve rather poorly in the initial post was to gauge weakness because with the fasics and sudden change in my arm function (without any knowing injury occurring) I was curious as to whether it's possible atrophy has taken place but I've been over compensating subconsciously and as such damaged muscle.

Obviously this is impossible to answer without an EMG and other assorted tests but I was wondering if this is a possible ASL symptom or probably not.
 
Not at all. And you are describing sensory symptoms. As Nikki says, there is no abnormal sensation associated with the weakness of ALS.

Ah thanks. I understand now, I wasn't sure if the weakness was a case of being unable to unscrew a jar completely or being able to complete the task but painfully and 'weak'.

I think you clarified that.
 
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