Weak "feeling" in Leg ? Anxiety or ALS?

Hi,
    I have suffered from extensive worry over my health from time to time.  I notice certain things and immediately think they are a serious symptom of a serious disease.  I usually go to the doctor once , they tell me I am fine and I gradually stop thinking about it all the time and the symptoms go away.    The  I had to drive all day one day.  When I returned I noticed a sharp pain off and on in my left thigh.  I immediately thought it was sciatica pain from driving all day.  I began to really focus on it all the time.  I then beagan to notice an aching pain in my hamstring area.  This progressed to a general "nervous or weak feeling" in my leg.  I did not have any physical weakness as.I began to worry about ALS.  I think about it all day all the time.  The weak "feeling" has not gone away and now I have some muscle twitching in my toes and calf/shin as well as slight ache in hamstring area.  I have been online looking up symptoms and info on ALS for days (which i know doesnt help) .  My question is can all this anxiety make me feel symptoms of "weakness or nervous feeling in leg" and twitching  even though everything is normal? This is not the first time I have worried about ALS.  I had twitching years ago and worried the same thing.  It didnt go away until I stopped thinking about it. I am almost 33 year old in great health.  I lift weights 5 times a week.Sorry for the long post.  Thank you for your help in advance.  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

ALS can be difficult to diagnosis.  An MRI as well as EMG studies would be recommended if this disease is suspected.  

Metabolic causes can also lead to some of the symptoms you describe.  Testing for thyroid, vitamin B12 as well as diabetes should be considered.

Muscle disorders can be evaluated with a creatinine kinase and aldolase level.  

At this time, I suggest a neurology referral.  If non-revealing, you can consider an orthopedic referral and/or physical therapy to evaluate and treat the muscle symptoms.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[grump123]

I notice the weak feeling more when i am sitting or lying.

[constante]

Hi,

I have arm and leg weakness and also muscle twitching in thigh, buttocks and arms. Would like to know if you have found out what is your condition. Email me at ***@****. I do not know what's wrong with me too.