Fibromyalgia Leg Pain
Fibromyalgia Leg Pain
The essence of fibromyalgia is widespread pain, which includes leg pain. Depending on the individual, leg pain and fibromyalgia may show as a sharp pain, a dull ache, a deep discomfort, or more of an aching sensation. There is hope if you are experiencing this kind of discomfort. Here are some tips for managing and treating it.
Leg pain points, also known as tender pain points or trigger points, are frequently experienced by people with fibromyalgia. There are nine pairs of pain points on each person’s body that could hurt when squeezed. On the leg, painful points may form just behind the hipbone and on the inside of each knee.
A person is diagnosed with fibromyalgia when they have pain at least 11 painful pain points, however, in actuality, the number may be lower. Fibromyalgia-related leg pain may develop when pain points in the region create discomfort.
If you’re suffering from fibromyalgia leg pain, you may experience throbbing, shooting, achy, or burning sensations in your legs. Often, you’ll feel the pain at your fibromyalgia pain points, particularly inside of each knee and on the hip just behind your hipbone. The pain can radiate from those spots, and also be accompanied by numbness, stiffness, or tingling.
This pain is often also related to restless leg syndrome. If you’re suffering from pain in your legs because of fibromyalgia, there are treatments that can help you find relief.
The tendons, muscles, or ligaments encircling the joints may experience fibromyalgia leg pain. Although the pain is present in these locations, the symptoms are aggravated by issues with the nervous system’s ability to handle pain.
Other fibromyalgia-related symptoms that cause leg discomfort include restless legs syndrome and tingling or numbness in the limbs. 2% to 4% of people in the United Kingdom have fibromyalgia, mostly women.
Although there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, its symptoms can be treated with a number of conventional and alternative therapy as well as lifestyle modifications.
According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, patients with fibromyalgia are more prone to experience restless leg syndrome, a neurological illness marked by uncomfortable feelings that make people feel the need to move their legs uncontrollably. Usually, the symptoms are worse at night and go away in the morning. One leg may be affected, or both.
People with restless leg syndrome can get respite from their fibromyalgia leg pain and other uncomfortable emotions by moving their legs. However, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, lying down also frequently aggravates leg feelings, making it challenging to fall asleep (NINDS).
Researchers discovered that only 3% of research participants without fibromyalgia experienced restless leg syndrome, compared to 33% of those with the condition.
Another frequent symptom of fibromyalgia is disturbed sleep, which many fibromyalgia sufferers might blame on RLS, according to a study.
According to NINDS, the majority of RLS treatments focus on treating the symptoms. Changes in lifestyle that could help with fibromyalgia-related restless legs syndrome include:
- Limiting caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol intake
- Taking supplements such as iron, magnesium, and folate
- Exercise
- Adopting a regular pattern of sleep
- Heating pads
In the extremities, including the feet, neuropathy causes tingling or pain. A study presented at a meeting of the American Neurological Association suggests that some people with fibromyalgia may actually have the related condition known as small-fibre polyneuropathy (SFPN).
Researchers discovered that 46% of fibromyalgia patients have SFPN, a kind of peripheral neuropathy that is occasionally curable. According to research author and associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School Anne Louise Oaklander:
“This provides some of the first objective evidence of a mechanism behind some cases of fibromyalgia, and identifying an underlying cause is the first step towards finding better treatments,”
Similar to fibromyalgia, SFPN also produces widespread pain, but unlike fibromyalgia, SFPN may be definitively diagnosed by testing.
Treatment for fibromyalgia leg pain often involves a multifaceted strategy, including a combination of medications and dietary adjustments intended to lessen discomfort and enhance the quality of life.
Treatment options for fibromyalgia leg pain include:
- Encouraging more restful sleep
- Exercising
- Eating a fibro-healthy diet
- Undergoing physical therapy
- Trying interventional therapies
- Taking medication
Lifestyle changes
One of the best ways for persons with fibromyalgia and leg pain to control pain is through lifestyle changes. Taking care of problems like restless leg syndrome is essential for getting good sleep.
How to promote sound sleep includes:
- Establishing a regular sleep schedule
- Exercising early in the day
- Keeping the bed for sleeping only
- Creating a relaxing pre-bedtime routine
At bedtime the internet, tv or reading a book can keep the brain active and interfere with falling asleep. The day can be put behind you and your mind can relax by taking a bath or listening to calming music.
Another crucial lifestyle component, and possibly the most crucial one for controlling fibromyalgia and leg pain, is making sure to get enough exercise. Walking or riding a bike can help promote sound sleep and reduce pain while also getting the heart rate up despite the pain and exhaustion.
Fibromyalgia diet
Eating a diet high in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can help lessen symptoms of fibromyalgia because it has an inflammatory component. According to WebMD, many patients with fibromyalgia have food sensitivities, whether they are to gluten, dairy, eggs, or preservatives. Leg discomfort can be controlled by keeping a diet journal to note any meals that cause it.
Consider buying fruits and vegetables that have already been washed or cut to make cooking with healthy food easier. Another option for cooking is to purchase prepared foods from a natural or healthy food store. Be careful to read ingredient labels because sometimes prepared foods, especially those that are marketed as healthy, have additives that could cause pain.
Cooking with herbs, such as the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spices ginger and turmeric, may also help lessen fibromyalgia-related leg pain.
Medications for fibromyalgia leg pain
Painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the medications that are suggested for fibromyalgia. NSAIDs help by lowering inflammation brought on by fibromyalgia and help reduce pain and discomfort. Long-term usage of painkillers, however, may result in physical adverse effects such as fluid retention, hypertension, and issues with the stomach, kidneys, or heart.
Although recreational drugs are occasionally recommended, there is no proof that they reduce fibromyalgia-related leg pain (NIAMS). Recreational drugs also pose a serious risk of addiction and abuse.
If you experience muscle spasms, other alternatives can include muscle relaxants.
Interventional treatments
Speak to your doctor if you’re in a lot of pain and home remedies aren’t helping. Most likely, they’ll start by recommending physical therapy. Your muscles will be stretched and imbalances will be corrected as a result.
Physical therapy could be excruciating for some people. Combining physical therapy with epidural steroid injections can help you receive the treatment you need to address the underlying problem while controlling your discomfort during your sessions in these circumstances.
Other choices include:
- TENS unit therapy
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Biofeedback therapy
- Spinal cord stimulation
Some medications can ease the leg pain associated with fibromyalgia. Always work with a medical professional who is prepared to consider every treatment option to determine which is ideal for you and your way of life.
treatment modalities to treat the symptoms and ease chronic fibromyalgia pain.
