A rare condition, known as amyloidosis, results when the protein, amyloid, forms and attacks organs in the body. It can accumulate in the liver, kidney, heart, or other body parts. Amyloid is not normally found in the human body. Its development can be due to several causes including genetic factors, inflammation, kidney dialysis, and chronic infections. Older men tend to be more susceptible to this medical condition.

Symptoms of amyloidosis include the following:

1. Swollen ankles and legs
This symptom is painful and prevents many normal activities such as walking or shopping. Pants and shoes do not fit. It is difficult to get out of bed or a chair. The simplest task becomes a real accomplishment. There is a common thread with all symptoms of amyloidosis. It is a disruption of the body functioning in a normal way. This swelling will lead to the next problem listed below. Watch out for any unusual swelling. The tongue can also be the victim of amyloidosis.

2. Fatigue and weakness
When a patient suffers from severe fatigue weakness, which is different from just being tired from working all day, it is the result of one of more system failures. The amyloid protein is insidious. It spreads throughout the whole body. The heart and nervous system control a patient’s health. Amyloid disrupts those controls.

3. Shortness of breath
A patient with this disorder can feel like they cannot catch their breath. It is the feeling of not having enough air. The amyloid protein attacks the heart muscle and prevents it from pumping sufficient blood. In essence, the heart fills with blood during the interval between heart beats. It cannot sufficiently fill due to amyloid. Therefore, when it does pump, there is a shortage of blood which leads to the shortness of breath.

4. Trouble lying flat in bed
This symptom is a result of the symptom and condition listed above. When there is a shortness of breath a person cannot lie flat. There is an urge and need to sit up. An upright position helps to alleviate the lack of air. It is most likely that these symptoms will occur at the same time. One leads to another.

5. Numbness and tingling
This symptom is the result of a problem with the nervous system. Nerves produce the sensation of feeling and pain, particularly in the hands and feet. Without nerves properly functioning, a patient can lose the feedback nerves provide. It can ultimately lead to a total lack of feeling. The amyloid is attacking the nervous system which is widespread throughout the human body. Problems with this system cause severe disruption with function and pain.

6. Wrist pain or carpal tunnel
The same condition that causes numbness and tingling also produces pain. When the pain involves the wrist it is also known as carpal tunnel syndrome. This can be the result of repetitive motion, often found in workers who do the same action over and over on a daily basis. Here it is the result of the protein amyloid interfering with the nervous system. The pain is just a further symptom of the numbness and tingling.

All of these symptoms should send a patient to a physician and examination and testing for the presence of the amyloid protein.