ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons. Motor neurons are nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. As ALS progresses, it causes muscle weakness, affecting the ability to move the arms, legs, and body. The muscles most commonly affected by ALS typically include those in the feet, hands, and throat.
Muscles Affected First
The muscles most commonly affected by ALS are those in the feet, hands, and throat. As ALS progresses, it causes weakness in these muscles, leading to difficulty performing everyday tasks such as walking, buttoning a shirt, and speaking.
In the feet, ALS causes weakness in the ankle and foot muscles, making it difficult to stand and walk. Common symptoms of ALS in the feet include tripping or dragging the feet while walking, an abnormal gait, or difficulty lifting the feet off the ground.
In the hands, ALS causes weakness in the muscles of the fingers, wrists, and elbows, making it difficult to grip objects and perform fine motor tasks. Common symptoms of ALS in the hands include difficulty holding objects, dropping things, and an inability to make a fist.
In the throat, ALS causes weakness in the muscles of the tongue, neck, and throat, making it difficult to swallow and speak. Common symptoms of ALS in the throat include slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and a weak voice.
Other Muscle Groups Affected
ALS also affects other muscle groups, including the chest, abdomen, and hips. The chest muscles weaken, making it difficult to take deep breaths and cough. The abdominal muscles weaken, making it difficult to sit up. The hip muscles weaken, making it difficult to stand up or walk.
Final Thoughts
ALS affects many muscle groups throughout the body, but the muscles in the feet, hands, and throat are typically the first to be affected. As the disease progresses, it causes weakness in other muscle groups, making it increasingly difficult to perform everyday tasks.