Widespread pain that is typically followed by lethargy, depression, sleep disorder, cognitive impairment accompanying with digestive and urinary symptoms are the characteristics of a chronic disease called Fibromyalgia. Poorly understood disorders in which distress signals are processed by the brain appear to be excessive, augmenting the sense of pain in muscles and soft tissues. There are no tests to detect fibromyalgia; it is diagnosed by excluding other possible causes. Treatment might include over-the-counter painkillers, antidepressants, physiotherapy, self-care, and medications principally approved to treat fibromyalgia, such as Lyrica. Fibromyalgia is more than just muscle aches and joint pain.
Being a chronic disorder, pain due to fibromyalgia can hit anywhere, at any intensity, and at any time. Several studies show that people who have fibromyalgia suffer more foot pain than other people. No matter the kind of pain, all are unpleasant. However, foot pain is worst as you need them for almost all day-to-day activities. The sensations that one might feel due to fibromyalgia are as follows:
- The soles feel like they are on fire, and these pains come and go at random intervals.
- Feeling of uneasiness when wearing any kinds of shoes.
- Unable to touch bare feet on the floor without wearing slippers.
Experts believe that one in every four people who have fibromyalgia have foot pain, but many do not opt for treatment.
Causes of Fibromyalgia Foot Pain
A study by Arthritis Research and Therapy showed that out of 202 patients, half of them reported foot pain. The research on fibromyalgia foot pain has not gone very far, and there are no assured causes of the pain. Other common sources of foot pain might not be directly associated with fibromyalgia but may get intensified by this condition. One such example is Morton’s neuroma, which is the benign enlargement of a nerve that causes tingling and shooting pain.
Being Active Despite Suffering from Foot Pain
The problem caused by severe foot pain is it is a vicious circle. Fibromyalgia foot pain also accompanies fatigue, which may in return lead to a less physical activity which is entirely necessary for overall wellbeing. Recommended exercise for fibromyalgia is walking. Avoid fibromyalgia foot pain by taking the following steps:
- Consult a podiatrist if you feel any pain in your feet. Before starting an exercise, regimen meet your podiatrist who can help you make better decisions and keep your feet healthy.
- Choose the appropriate shoes for doing any activity. Shoes that have a roomy toe box, a supporting arch, and a sole that presents comfort, support, and flexibility.
- Keep a steady pattern for exercise regimen as fibromyalgia foot pain is an unpredictable condition that would be good on some days and unbearable on other days.
- Expect and accept discomfort no matter what exercise regimen one chooses it can never be extremely comfortable.
- Do not wear heels or any shows height down to about an inch to avoid any pain in your feet.
Treatment of Fibromyalgia Foot Pain
Better footwear or any treatment suggested by your podiatrist can cure foot pain. The following tips will help ease conditions with foot pain. However, these are not assured procedures experts can provide the best treatment.
- Wear soft, well-cushioned slippers that will support and comfort you
- Wear thick or diabetic socks
- Wearing soft soled shoes
- Soak your feet in hot water with salt
- Gently stretch your feet
- Massaging feet gently will help release pain
- Apply lotions that have a cooling and soothing effect
- Use braces that support the foot or orthotics
A study in 2012 suggested that orthotics may help people with fibromyalgia function better overall. There is no permanent cure for fibromyalgia foot pain; however, there are numerous medicines that can help with the symptoms. Certain medications help ease the aches and pains, while others might boost your energy levels or improve sleep. There are three FDA approved medications to treat fibromyalgia: the antidepressants duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella), plus the anti-seizure medicine pregabalin (Lyrica). However, each comes with their own side effects ranging from mild to severe.
Fibromyalgia is one of the world’s oldest medical mysteries as described by Hippocrates in ancient Greece. As there is no permanent treatment available, it is crucial to make peace with the problem. An individual can suffer emotional and physical distress. Therefore, it is essential to consult a cognitive behavioral therapist. Do not let the pain get the best of you and continue your workout sessions as these will improvise your condition gradually. Attend group therapy or consult a person whom you trust to understand and prepare for what you might have to face in the future. The best suggestions or help can be provided by professions or experts and individuals who have and are suffering from fibromyalgia foot pain.
