Fibro and Feet?

Don't you have blood sugar issues? It might be neuropathy?

Hi Lynnwood: Generally, the worst part of fibromyalgia for me involves my feet, though I also have another neurological condition (nonspecific; could be CP) according to my neurologist.

I get some tingling, mild loss of sensation, muscle spasms, cramping, etc. in my feet and sometimes my toes.
Soaking them in warm water with Epsom salt helps somewhat. I also make my own magnesium 'spray' (several recipes for this online) and use that after bathing. Weather changes affect my feet horribly, and even lead to a sort of 'restless feet' type of thing. Right now it's cold and damp and my feet are really cold and quite stiff. Warmer weather on the horizon, though! :)

I have very high arches, and that seems to be part of the problem, too.

Recently, I read alpha lipoic acid is supposed to help if it's neuropathy. I'd like to check that out but haven't yet. I also take Neurontin (gabapentin) which generally provides some relief.

I wear socks or soft 'footie' slippers at night and try to keep my feet warm at all times.

Have you seen a neurologist? Since it sounds nerve-related, maybe that would be helpful.

No miracle cure, but these things have helped me. My fibro (or something related) has ramped up recently, though, so I'm seeing my doctor in a few weeks for some rechecking.

I hope things are better for you soon! :)

Hi: Yes, my feet definitely feel worse when I walk a lot. It gets better in warm weather, but as recently as 2 weeks ago, I had a problem even doing a little grocery shopping. I limped out of the store on very irritated, sore feet, and was only walking in there about 20 minutes max. It can get frustrating.

I haven't yet resorted to riding in the store carts that are available for those who can't walk much, but I think I'm getting closer to doing that. :)

What I get feels like the hard floor is coming up and pushing very hard against the soles of my feet, which are generally somewhat stiff anyway.. This leads to spasms/cramping.

Walking on those hard floors, there's very little 'give.' My feet end up feeling like blocks of cement, even though I'm super careful about wearing the best type of shoes with good, flexible soles, soft insoles, a thin liner, etc. Nothing much helps when my feet are at their worst.

I don't know if neuropathy is a steady issue or changes, but my other fibro symptoms seem to change frequently. My feet seem to bear the majority of my fibro issues, poor things! They seldom get a break, though, again, warmer weather gives some relief.

Hmm...I'm not sure if neurologists treat fibro; for me, there was more about testing and comparing symptoms over a few weeks time. Good question: do they treat fibro? I would guess their expertise is somewhat limited on that, but maybe some are better than others.

I think you're smart to see a rheumy. I don't currently see one, but am considering it with my new issues. From what I've read and seen here on the forum, they sound like they, out of all types of doctors, would be more 'in the know' about fibro, though that's only a guess.

Yes, I know all those other things could be the cause of the problem, and most of them have been ruled out. I'm not asking about them, I'm asking if anyone has had foot tingling associated with fibro? Can we stay on that topic, please??? I'm not an idiot, and am perfectly capable of doing a web search. And besides, just because it's tingling doesn't mean it's neuropathy.

Lynn, I did answer your bold print question. I said I haven't heard of this happening with fibro. I'm sorry if my trying to help you upsets you. I'm definitely not happy with your response to me...especially since you are a mod yourself and spend hours trying to help others.

From our forum rules.... Be respectful of moderators in both the forums and any private communications.

Sherrine

Thanks, Luvzminis & Purple_lynx,

My tingling isn't the tiny pins & needles like when your feet fall asleep, it's a "bigger tingle", if that makes any sense, and is closer to out and out pain. Sometimes it has a bit of an "itch" component. Generally it doesn't seem to attack *while* I am walking, but about an hour later -- unless, of course, they are already "tender" or "flaring" from a previous episode. And I don't ever seem to loose sensation.

It's interesting to know you guys associate your feet issues with fibro, I wasn't sure how far away from the fibro tender/trigger points people actually experienced issues. Thanks for your help.

PS.
I did used to get pain in my toes joints that felt like someone had inserted burning oil into the joints, but blood work pretty conclusively ruled that to be Lupus inflammation, and I currently have no inflammation markers showing and my Lupus is "quiet", ie in remission, and has been for a while now (like over 3 years). So my rheumy and I are pretty sure this is NOT Lupus related. I wish I had thought to ask the rheumy specifically about fibro when he recommended a podiatrist -- rheumy was thinking this was plantar fasciitis, which I've had before (was a marathon runner), but these symptoms are *very* different than that.

We shall see what the podiatrist says Thursday - I appreciate the info, I don't want to spend time running to 47 different Drs if it can be avoided!!

Cheers.

I do feel like some of the foot pain can be related to fibro..

It can impact any soft tissue of the body..and the nerves.., so why not the feet..

If we can have pain and tingling everywhere else with it, why not fibro?

Most of us have more than one issue we deal with, which makes it harder to discern what is causing what..

I use topical pain relievers on my feet.. Which really helps..

Had a recent injury which has aggravated my feet and legs..so i am working on all that, while waiting for some therapy sessions.

I sometimes use an acupressure ball on my feet.which seems to help.

Lj

Well, my podiatrist confirmed my diagnosis of "NOT plantar fasciitis" as well as saying it's not a mechanical issue. He's sent me on to a specific neurologist to do a full workup according to his specifications -- on wait list as my actual appointment isn't till the end of June.

Not really what I wanted to hear, as I confess I haven't been impressed by neurologists -- thinking humankind still doesn't know all that much about nerves -- at least so far I haven't heard of any great results from them.

Meanwhile, I will make an appointment with my PCP and see if she'll do some nutritional testing - I'd forgotten that B12 has a lot to do with nerve function, and maybe I'm missing out on some other vital nutrients.

Thanks for everyones support. I'm just really disheartened -- I was a marathon runner and can't even walk 2 miles without suffering for days. I'm not meant for a sedentary life. Guess I can still paddle, not sure what else is possible...

Still waiting on my June 29th neurologist appointment. Meanwhile, my feet have been good for a couple of weeks, so I've resumed walking & a little running. Today my right foot is leaning toward tingling... but not quite there.

My question for those of you who have seem neurologists for feet tingling (not just pins & needles, more major tingling)...

Can they tell anything if you don't happen to have symptoms the day they test?

Thanks.

I don't recall if I had tingling in my feet when I last saw the neurologist. It was more like spasms and cramping, which some of the time, though not always, followed tingling.

The tingling, though, was often more sporadic, so I'm thinking that no---I likely didn't have that symptom on the days I was tested.

Glad you got at least a partial answer, Lynnwood. Sometimes (too often), it takes ridiculously long to find out what's going on.

That difference between lupus and Sjogrens is interesting.

Hope you can get the testing done soon and get some solid answers. Best wishes!