What causes foot pain??
When fibromyalgia affects the lower part of the body, this is somewhat different than upper body pain due to the weight bearing nature of both legs and feet. Although this is just one area of the body affected, I rarely meet a person with fibromyalgia who does not have some kind of leg or foot pain. Fibromyalgia foot pain can be exacerbated by multiple trigger points in the lower body, overactive nerves and even ongoing weakness in the legs, knees and ankles.
In a 2016 study published in pain medicine, researchers say that pushing on trigger points reproduced foot pain in participants.
It is also possible that, for some of us, foot pain is caused purely by fibromyalgia. Our nerves are highly sensitive and few areas take a beating like our feet. It stands to reason that they could hurt just because the nerves get riled up.
Also in 2016, the journal foot published a study suggesting that the subtalar joint, which is just below the ankle, is frequently dysfunctional in fibromyalgia. Out of 20 women who participated, 12 had hypermobility (excessive range of motion) in that joint; while 5 had hypomobility (limited range of motion)
A study published in arthritis research and therapy found that about 50% of people with fibromyalgia report pain in one or both feet. That seems like a lot of us, but the same study showed that 91% have neck pain 79% experience hip pain. In fact, the feet were among the least likely places to hurt.
Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia experience pain in their feet. However, medical doctors do not feel foot pain is symptomatic of fibromyalgia since FMS tends to present with muscle and soft tissue pain rather than joint and bone pain.
Irritation and swelling of tissues within the foot and heel cause serious pain and for people with fibromyalgia syndrome and the heightened sensitivity to pain that is inherit in the syndrome, the pain can be severe.
It’s important to look at foot pain because your ability to walk has a big impact on how functional you can be. Foot pain can make you walk differently, which may lead to back, hip and knee problems.
Is it a symptom or something else??
While all kinds of pains are unpleasant, some have a bigger impact on your life. Chief among these is foot pain, because walking is an essential function, some reader have said
>>the bottoms of my feet felt like they were on fire. These pains come and go and sometimes last for months.
>>I can’t wear a flip flop or any kind of shoe.
>>I can’t stand to touch my bare feet to the floor. I have to wear memory foam slippers around the house.
With fibromyalgia pain can hit anywhere, with any intensity, at any time. Several studies show that we fibromites have more foot pain than other people.
Foot pain is major problem. When every step is agony, it makes it hard to do much of anything. When you are already limited because of fibromyalgia, you hardly need one more thing to keep you from doing what you want or need to do.
During a flare of foot pain, you may find that just resting your foot on the floor causes a burning pain. Shoes can hurt not only on the soles or your feet but the tops as well. Walking??Agony, Stepping on something like an electrical cord can feel like you are being cut by a razor blade. A common complaint is waking up with feet that feel like you have been walking for hours.
Balance your sitting, standing or lying time
The interesting thing about fibromyalgia pain in many parts of the body including the lower quadrant and feet, is that it doesn’t really matter whether you are sitting standing or lying down. Too much of any of the activity too long being sedentary can increase symptoms, Standing can increase throbbing types of pain whereas lying down for extended periods can contribute to nerve pain and myofascial constriction in the feet, extending into the ankles, calves and tender areas around the knees.
Swap shoes during the day
Even if you wear the most comfortable shoes during the day, it is good idea to switch out shoes during any given day. Have at least 2 pairs of comfortable shoes that you can rotate such as both fitness and leisure. I find rotating shoes can make a difference in levels of foot pain and adapting to any one shoe. Wearing orthotic inserts and getting them custom made by a foot doctor can also greatly support us when we have fibromyalgia pain and even flares. Never wear new shoes for extended periods of time.
Foot structure affect fibromyalgia foot pain
Again because of the weight bearing nature of our feet, we have to be even more diligent about caring for and addressing this part of the fibro body. There are different types of foot structures that can also contribute to fibromyalgia foot pain. These range from high or lower arch to plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, Morton’s toe.
Not that all of these are connected to fibromyalgia, but when we have fibro, these can increase the propensity to pain and symptoms in the feet.
Copper wear compression ankle/foot sleeves
Cooper wear compression foot sleeves fit gently over the foot and the copper is healing. It provides very slight hugging, compression and support for increased blood flow and oxygen flow around these vulnerable areas of the fibro body.
These are great for everybody use to sleep in. if you are like me and wake with burning or nerve issues in your feet these sleeves are well worth a try to at least reduce the severity of the symptoms.
For support and Discussion join the group “Living with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Illness”
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