Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, also commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a chronic neuromuscular disease that attacks nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord. When these nerve cells are destroyed, they can no longer send messages to muscles throughout your body, which leads to progressive muscle weakness. ALS can affect your feet.
Feet
Muscle weakness in your feet is an early symptom of ALS. When you have ALS, your brain and spinal cord fail to send messages to initiate and control muscle movement in your feet, which leads to loss of strength and coordination. You experience muscle cramping in your feet. In later stages of ALS, you become totally paralyzed and confined to a bed or wheelchair. A caregiver will have to change the position of your feet frequently to avoid cramping and pressure sores.
Therapy
Your doctor will most likely recommend physical therapy to help you perform regular low-impact exercise, which can help decrease muscle weakness in your feet. A therapist may also be involved in your care to help you learn how to use a wheelchair, braces or other orthopedic items that can help improve muscle function and enable you to be somewhat independent.
Pressure Sores
ALS increases your risk for pressure ulcers in your feet. Painful pressure ulcers develop if you remain in one position for too long without shifting your weight. If you are bedridden or use a wheelchair, ask your caregiver to help you change positions at least every two hours to relieve pressure on your feet. Ask your caregiver to place soft pillows and sheepskin under your feet to help reduce pressure.
Other Symptoms
Symptoms of ALS usually begin as unusual weakness in your hands and feet, which then spreads to other body parts. As the disease progresses, you may experience chewing difficulties, trouble swallowing, breathing problems, voice hoarseness, abnormal speech pattern, muscle twitching, muscle cramps, paralysis and weight loss. Consult your doctor if you experience unusual body weakness. Early treatment of ALS can potentially slow the progression of the disease.
