I have been experiencing pain in my right forearm for the past year. I lift weights regularly and I don't have any noticeable signs of weakness. I took a few weeks off from lifting and the pain lessened, but it comes right back when I lift. It also hurts if I just hold something in my hand for an extended period with my arm at a 90 degree angle. It feels just like tendonitis, but I thought it was odd that I only get it in my right arm. My right shoulder is slightly out of place from an old injury, so that may have something to do with it, but I'm not sure.

I am concerned because my grandfather died of ALS in 1997 and his early symptoms included arm pain. Is tendonitis-like pain consistent with early stages of ALS, or am I just getting worried over nothing? Any advice would be appreciated.

-Nick

I am not an expert. But I would't worry too much. ALS typically does not cause pain. It also depends on your age. ALS usually strikes people in thier middle age. It has hit the edlerly. But not typically the young. Considering you work out a lot you may have pulled a muscle or something. If this doesn't go away soon you should see a doctor. What type of ALS did your grandfather have? The most common is sporadic ALS. Which is not hereditary.

[This message has been edited by slaughter17 (edited 09-01-2003).]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not sure which type of ALS my grandfather had; he was never tested for the gene. He was a school custodian and he frequently handled pesticides. I was just a little concerned because my wife had read an article about a man with ALS who's symptoms started with pain in one arm, but the type of pain that I have feels more like bruising and tendonitis than the cramping that would be consistent with ALS. I have decided to stop my upper body workouts completely to see if the pain goes away. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

-N