Welcome, Janaye (and also sarahc23!).
You've already been given great advice. Just wanted to chime in a bit regarding sore feet.
I have very high arches, and along with fibro, a separate non-specific neuro condition where I was told my "muscles are 'so' good that they're 'too' good at times. My feet are very stiff and I have to walk on tiptoes, and try to bend and stretch them every morning and just keep moving in general (BTW, I laugh at the exercise where you pick up a wash cloth with your toes--oh, don't I wish they would bend like that!). Moving in different positions, even if I'm super stiff, helps some. I think it's important and helps with flexibility.
Did you mention if you take a muscle relaxer? I take Flexeril for flexibility and Neurontin for nerve pain. My doctor has allowed me to take them as I need them, as my issues aren't constant, but that's just for me-- be sure to check with your doctor on how to take your meds. Everyone is different.
Lj mentioned a topical cream. I like those best and I try avoid meds when I can. Massaging muscle rub creams can help with stiffness fairly fast. Heating pads, and "bed buddies" (microwavable) can feel good, too, as can an electric blanket (but I've yet to break down and buy one. Many here have them, though, and love them).
I don't know what your climate is like, but we get cold winters, and keeping warm is a must.
There are other threads here if you do a search (above) on "feet" or "arch supports" or something similar. Seems many of us deal with foot issues! To me, it's one of the more frustrating fibro issues.
I have to have soft arch support inserts in my shoes. I buy ProFoot in Wal-Mart's foot care area. For shoes, I need something supportive with thick but lightweight soles. Earth Shoes are good. I had a pair of Asics gel soles which were fantastic, a few years ago. But some of the gel soles aren't so helpful. Trial and error!
Yesterday I attended a local fair and since my right foot arch was in spasm, had to sit for a little while. A visiting relative made an off-hand comment about
how good (healthy) and important it was to walk. Grrrr.... Yes, very important to walk, but when you've already done some sidewalk walking and cramping/spasms show up, it's time to take a little break! We have to listen to our bodies, especially our 'fibro bodies' and see what they need or can do at the moment. It surely can vary!
Fibro is SO like that, I think. So changeable. We exercise the best we can, but we have to know our limits, too. Pacing is so important, and if you sort of time it the best you can, it will work out. Some days are more productive than others, that's for sure! I often vary sitting with standing as I work around the house.
Also, for me, the pain and "trouble areas" move around every few weeks or so. I know that it won't last forever, and if, for example, my feet are really bothering me as my right foot was doing yesterday, I might spend a little more time off of them, working on other jobs around the house. Anyway, that's the way I deal with it.
Prayer, spiritual reading, hobbies, and pets also divert my mind from my health issues. Getting out and about
is good, too, and it helps me to time doing that with how much I'm dealing with. Sometimes that's not long at all; other times, it can be longer.
And this is such a friendly, helpful forum. I've learned so much and the people are great. Hope you find the best ways to deal with fibro. Best wishes!
