Is it normal for someone with ALS to have severe swelling in their feet?
ALS patients with severe foot swelling is not normal. If an ALS patient experiences severe swelling of the feet, it is important to be cautious of the formation of blood clots in the lower limb vessels. The formation of venous blood clots can lead to poor blood circulation, easily causing blood stasis and thrombotic obstruction, leading to severe swelling of the feet. It is necessary to conduct a Doppler ultrasound of the lower limb vessels to assess their condition. Treatments may include anti-platelet aggregation, anticoagulation, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and providing nutritional support to nerves. Heat application, keeping warm, promoting lower limb blood circulation, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, and heat application can be used as symptomatic treatments. For ALS patients with severe foot swelling, it is advisable to elevate the lower limbs during sleep, perhaps covering them with a blanket or elevating them about 45 degrees.