Joint and Muscle Pain
Range-of-motion exercises are designed to prevent the sort of joint pain that results from stiffness because of lack of use. Careful attention to your exercise regime, whether active or passive, will eliminate much potential joint pain. However, there are still a number of common pains that can develop. If your arms are weak and you allow them to hang unsupported from the shoulder, there is a tendency for the shoulder joint to become painful. It is helpful to support weak arms whenever possible on pillows, armrests or on a table.

A shoulder sling will also give the arm some support and decrease strain on the shoulder joint while you are walking. Hip pain can result from prolonged sitting in a sagging seat or chair. A firm seat on a regular chair or wheelchair will relieve strain on the hip joints.

Leg and Foot Swelling
You may experience mild leg and foot swelling, which is best reduced by moving the toes and ankle, if possible, and by elevating the leg and/or using an elastic stocking.

Muscle Cramping
Cramps are not uncommon in people with ALS. They can be alleviated to some extent by keeping the affected muscle warm and by stretching it or having your caregiver stretch it until the pain is eased. Severe or frequent cramps should be discussed with your doctor. There are a number of medications available to reduce cramping.

Posture Changes
If the muscles that maintain your posture weaken, you may have discomfort in your lower back, neck and shoulder blade region. Special cushions, chair backs, lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) rolls are available to help you to maintain correct sitting posture. It may be necessary for you to sit in a reclined position or to use a neck collar to maintain proper positioning. Your occupational therapist can assist you in choosing the right device.

Walking
As leg and ankle muscles weaken, unexpected fatigue, tripping and falling become problems. You should begin to use a cane or walker as soon as you are threatened by unexpected falls. Also, various leg and ankle splint devices are available to provide added support to weakened muscles.

Gripping and Holding
People with ALS eventually lose strength in the hand and wrist muscles, losing the ability to manage small hand movements like holding a pen to write or cutlery to eat, turning a key to start a car or turning a handle to open a door. There are a variety of products designed to assist you with weakened gripping strength.

As these weaknesses continue to develop, you can lose your ability to hold even lighter weight articles. Getting dressed and undressed becomes more and more difficult, and then impossible to do alone. As this process occurs, dressing can be made easier with Velcro fasteners, elastic waistbands, and other features that make clothing easier to put on and take off.

Cold or hot hands can weaken the grip of most people. For persons with ALS, however, this is even more pronounced. If your fingers get cold you will probably be surprised by how much harder it is to do such things as undo buttons, or turn a doorknob.

As ALS progresses, there are various types of equipment available to assist your mobility. At first you may need a cane or a walker, then a scooter or a manual wheelchair, and ultimately a power wheelchair, to assist in maintaining a level of independence. There are eating utensils that can assist and increase independence - cutlery with large easy-grip handles, non-slip mats and special plastic plates. Also, there are raised chairs and toilet seats which are easier to get up from, and portable hoists to move a person around. Choosing the best assistive equipment for your situation involves many considerations, including an understanding of longer-term needs. It is advised that you get advice from a healthcare professional such as an occupational or physiotherapist before acquiring assistive equipment.