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Fibromyalgia and Numb Feet

Q: I have fibromyalgia. One of my most bothersome symptoms is numbness and tingling in my feet, and nothing my rheumatologist prescribes seems to help. Do you know what causes this? Should I see another type of doctor?

If numbness and tingling are chronic and confined to your feet, I would suspect a condition besides fibromyalgia might be involved. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by diffuse widespread pain associated with at least 11 discrete tender areas of the body. Fibromyalgia can also include fatigue, headaches, restless sleep, irritable bowel syndrome, memory changes and, as you are experiencing, numbness and tingling.

The cause of numbness and tingling in fibromyalgia is unknown. These symptoms don't follow any anatomic or nerve pattern, and they tend to come and go in different parts of the body.

Other conditions that might cause numbness are diabetes, alcohol use, obesity with fluid retention around the ankles (which causes the compression of nerves in the tarsal tunnel of the lower extremities) and compression of nerves in the low back.

Your rheumatologist should be able to help you sort this out by your history, physical exam, lab tests and X-rays. Depending on what he finds from these tests, your rheumatologist can arrange to test the nerves in your feet (nerve conduction test) and refer you to a specialist for additional treatment if needed.

James McKoy, MD, Rheumatologist

J K
30 Jan 2012, 21:50
I'm diabetic and have slight numbness in my feet, warm feelings in my leg, as if a heat is directly on it, pricking, pins and needles like sensations in my feet and fingers, and sometimes tingly lips and scalp. If you have similar feelings to mine, you also might be diabetic or have had some sort of injurty or operation to cause this issue. It is called neuropathy. It effects the nerve endings, possibly due to bad circulation of oxygen, high glucose.
Linda
15 Jan 2012, 16:08
Hi,

I was officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Nov 2010.
It was the same year I lost my Mom,Grandmother and Sister in 9 months. I was just healing from breast cancer treatments. I have been in pain most of my life. It made sense to me when I was diagnosed. I have always been against taking medication. I did follow the prescribed treatment plan and It worked! My pain subsided.
I weaned myself off and when I did it came back in a big way. It is very confusing to know how to manage it. However, I have a great relationship with myself now. I have learned what is good and not good for me. I think the is the key with any type of syndrome or disease, is learning to manage with knowing at times it will become unmanageable. I own two businesses I only knew how to operate under stress. Today I am learning how to operate with much peace and relaxation in my life.
Because one treatment plan works for a person, there is a good chance with Fibro it will not work for you.
Get to know your body and always be grateful for and keep taking care of you.
Walk and stretch, meditate and keep those good thoughts flowing in.
I wish you all great success. I am looking forward to a cure to this one day super soon!
Joe
29 Dec 2011, 04:47
I am 43 years old, I have had chronic pain for a year in my neck, head, back, ribs, arms, legs, numbness in my hands, legs, feet and sometimes face. Been tested for everything blood wise, 3 MRI's, 4 Xrays, and CT Scan, full body PET Scan last year and nothing. Been on Predisone and Doxyxcline for 3 months now, 1 for inflamation and 1 for infection (guessing). I went about a month feeling great and then the begining of December I got pain again, legs got so bad I almost could not walk. I keep saying Fibromyalgia but EVERY doctor says No ? Any suggestions.
mary johnson
30 Nov 2011, 10:36
I was searching and found this article. I too have pain in the bottom of my foot, more in the right than in the left. And I have sciatica for about 9 years now. It comes and it goes. Thanks for the info on Fibromyalgia. It could be I have that also. I take blood pressure meds for 10 years now.
carmen
05 Sep 2011, 13:59
i have been suffering with fibro for 2 and half years soon after i had my second son, and i have been trying to deal with it ever since. washing my hair was a chore at times and even climbing my stairs would sometimes be a pain. well my mom was watching an imformercial about trivita's nopalea and the people on their were talking about the same problems i am having but i was skeptical at first but my mom went on and order it for me i really didn't think that it would do anything but i promise you guys the first day i tried it i was already feeling the results im on my fourth day and i feel amazing i never thought that i would find something that will stop this imflammation. this product is a godsend i promise you guys im not a sells person and this product is amazing i just wanted to share my story with y'all and help you guys out cuz i know what you all are going through i just wish i had someone to help me out cuz it's frightening to not know what is going on with your body or that a doctor can't fix it
MaryBeth
24 Jul 2011, 13:11
I am a fibro patient, but my symptoms have been in remission for the last few years. I take Wellbutrin XL daily to manage it. However, the last week, I've been experiencing extreme itching/skin crawling/tingling sensation in my hands and feet, and it is worse at night. Does anybody know about that senation and can you offer me any guidance on how to relieve it? My hands are tingling as I write this! Thanks!
Gwyn
22 Jul 2011, 21:04
I noticed a comment from "Karen" regarding numbness, pain and burning in her feet. I have had that for over a year and nobody knows what it is from. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 4 mos ago and am on Lyrica 50mg about 3 times a day which has worked wonders with the pain I was having for 5 years. I'm nursing a rotator cuff problem now. They say exercise is the best thing for fibro but I can barely get 30 min of any exercise before my feel hurt and feel like they are on fire. Anybody know what this is from and how to address it? I really need to exercise and my weight is going up! Only 47 yrs old!!
Judy
21 Jun 2011, 16:19
I suffer too, with a number of symptoms...
Fatigue, numbness of feet and tingling in them as well as arms/hands/left leg...
fibro fog, dry irritated, blurred eyes...

Get all the books you can on Fibro on Amazon.com and try their ideas one at a time until you find relief!
Lulu
16 Jun 2011, 17:39
Was told I have inflammatory arthritis. Feet are tingling,painful and bottom of feet red. The top of my feet are swollen and can see patches of veins. I just started plaquenel and have been on voltaren. I didn't know it could hurt this much. Any helps u can offer would be great
vivian
09 May 2011, 23:12
Also, to sleep I've had luck with Valerian Root, 1 pill and i sleep until my alarm sounds. Although, Benedryl Allergy works well so i rarely need Valerian Root, but on a bad day I take both.
vivian
09 May 2011, 23:03
I agree with the post that said the meds make fibro worse. I've had it for about 8 yrs and its fairly well controlled thus far. I recommend getting full tests to ensure you don't have another condition like MS. If indeed fibro, start taking magnesium, calcium, and buy flaxseed for omega 3 with a multi-vitamin. Try garlic pills once a day too. Eat your fruits n veggies and watch red meat and sugar intake. Go to bed before 10 pm. Try reading in bed and when tired go to sleep. Your body restores itself most between 10 pm to 1 am so you will feel better. If you have insomnia, try calcium before bed and take a benedryl allergy drowsy formula. Eat a yogurt before bed with low sugar, it will help make you tired. If you hurt everywhere push yourself to exercise some but don't overdo it, laying around too much makes fibro worse, but so do certain exercises. Try swimming in a heated pool light laps. Use a rub like vicks for muscle pain before bed, it helps. Try heat therapy for your back. Drink lots of water earlier in the day. Take immodium Md for IBS two pills, it works. Watch the air conditioning in summer, makes you achy. Do relaxation exercise every day for a few mins, try soothing music. Get a relaxation massage when pain is really bad to help loosen the muscles and release toxins. The flaxseed should help your memory and focus as well as your mood. If you are on prescription meds ask your dr before taking these supplements. The most I do now is take a couple aspirin as I find the meds they prescribe intolerable. Also, if rain is coming or big weather change, anticipate you won't feel very good then. Mostly, keep your chin up with a positive attitude.
Laura
06 May 2011, 07:59
I have been dealing with pain in my lower legs for over three years. A year ago through and EMG I was diagonosed with Neuropathy. I have tried, Lyrica, Cymbalta & Neurotine, all with very negative side affects. About 6 months ago my upper back begain to hurt from the neck down the spine to my mid back. I have memory issues, fatigue, sleeping issues and lots of pain. I changed my whole eating to healthy foods and exercise (even though its big pain!)for the last 2 years . What is my issue? I had to stop working 5 months ago, yet my employer of 12 years is denying my benifits, as they dont seem to get Chronic pain. What does anyone recommend to get my life back? Should I get a Neurologist or MRI?
Chris
07 Apr 2011, 12:45
I've been diagnosed with RA and fibro by one doctor, and just fibro by another doctor. I don't really have joint pain or swelling. My main problem is all over muscle pain and stiffness, and the feeling that my hands are puffy and swollen. I also get numbness into my hands and feet. Need to mention that I also have 2 herniated discs in my neck, so not sure what is causing what. I have been on 2 different DMARDS (methotextrate and Arava) with no relief in symptoms. Currently not on any drugs other than an occasional Mobic since both me and my doctor are not really sure what I have. I am so confused!! Any advice would help!
Trisha
19 Mar 2011, 22:05
I have fibromyalgia ostoarthritas degenerative disks I had thyroid cancer 1994 where the left side of my thyroid was removed.I stay tried 24 seven no quality of life i can't take the Neuronton or lyrica my feet & legs stay tingling & burning I have to get out of bed it hurts so bad I can tolerate the pain better sitting up.I take lortab & oxycodone15 mg for the pain I had rotator cuff surgery 3_9_11.this burning tingling in my legs & feet is effecting my nerves.now my hips are starting to go numb when I lay on them.can anyone give me advice that is worth trying please I need help!!!!
April
09 Mar 2011, 18:04
I am in the beginning phases of testing. I have a slightly crooked spine, my right leg burns constantly and my right foot tingles often. I have tested positive for hyperparathyroidism, not to be confused with the thyroid. That is likely the TSH level test mentioned above. This causes many aches and pains in my bones and joints. Fortunately, a specialist found this. Unfortunately, she no longer is in practice and my family doctor doesn't seem to recognize this as a true condition that is causing my pain. I am being ran through the ringer with tests that are coming back negative, and that's all he focuses on. I recommend anyone with pain that doesn't seem to have a cause research the parathyroid gland and over active parathyroids.
Janice Brown
24 Feb 2011, 19:48
I too have Fibro. It started with getting less and less sleep of a night. I take a seizer medicine to sleep and I still only get 2-4 hours of deep sleep. I have so many syptoms that I don't think I can list them all. I take way too much medicine but I need them all. I get shots in my joints about every 3 months. I feel sorry for myself sometimes but I know that there are people far worse than I am. Every day has something new to experience in the pain line. I would like to say this and it may help someone that if you experience severe bowel problems and constipation, use magnesium. This has been a life safer for me.
karen
08 Feb 2011, 10:46
i have just been dagnosed with fibro and osteoarthritis thru out. my doctor prescribed Lodine 400mg, does that help?
i also take neurontin 600mg 3x a day, my feet are numb, tingling and on fire. I also have disc problems of my C5,C6 and C7 which cause alot of pain, will a breast reduction reduce the pain i feel in my neck. another dx is pad. i feel so overwhelmed w/ everything hitting me at once. I am currently waiting on results from my TSH levels due to them being elevated. Hypo?
Thanks,,,Karen
Michelle
07 Feb 2011, 02:27
If you smoke pot it calms the pain down. It is the only thing I have found that helps very much at all. Used in small doses and as infrequently as possible it takes a suicidal pain to dull roar and if you stretch after the effect of the drug has hit it helps the feeling of being atrophied tremendously. For example take your feet,hands, back,legs or arms and point them outward from the inside and then toward each other to the point of extreme each way as far as you can without tearing anything, then release. You will feel the pain, tension and atrophied feeling melt away for a few hours.
gizzellebrookes
01 Jan 2011, 14:10
Hi to all. I have fibromyalgia syndrome & myofascial pain disease . I highly recommend people to buy Dr.Devin Starlanyl's books. One is about Fibromyalgia A very in depth view about it ( a lot of helpful info you won't find any where else). The other book is about fibromyalgia syndrome & myofascial pain disease. People who have fibro tend to have myofascial pain. Very few doctors have the low down on either subject. Devin Is an M.D. doctor who has both illnesses . She knows her info and the books are both very different and extremely helpfull . I have read a lot of books on fibro & myofascial and they were very negotive, basically thr person who wrote thos books have a very negitive opinion about either subject . The books have plenty of aahhha moments that will leavce you saying omg i didn't know this or that problem had to do with fibro or myofascial pain. You can get both books on Amazon.com . I paid around $13.00 a piece .oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuI bought the books that said used but in like new condition.I heard trhat Devin was a spoke person for arthritis foundation, I don't know if that's true or not.
Carol
23 Dec 2010, 09:38
Wendy, I see from your post of three months ago, that you suggest drinking spring water or filtered water. Our drinking water (Muskoka area) has both flouride and chlorine in it, which I can taste. I have to drink tap water to take FOSAVANCE for osteoporosis at the suggestion of my pharmacist.
As for tap water affecting the flora of my bowels, I changed to a probiotic capsule because I was diagnosed w/celiac disease a year ago this month. I got a quick and sudden reaction from milk protein concentrate that's in the yogurt I used to be able to eat. I'm also lactose intolerant having had gastroenteritis, every year for five years in the 80's. That destroyed, somehow, the lactase enzyme in my body.

I am REALLY glad to have this comment section because I have OA in my spine and it's most painful in my lumbar area. Mine is such that I have to sit reclined both to eat and watch t.v. as well as using my computer.
If I lean forward, I get both dizzy and nauseated and this is due to the way in which my OA in my lower spine, has affected the nerves. I've had both a CTScan and an MRI done and both basically showed the same thing...an aging spine plus I inured my spine over 5 yrs. ago by improperly shovelling snow when my in-law was alive. That's another story, not appropriate for this comment area.
I can sit, walk and stand but only for so long. I use a product with menthol in it which goes on my lower back. The first hr. it's cooling, the 2nd. hr it's warming. Also use the same product in gel form in areas where I can't use the patch.
Parveena
18 Dec 2010, 01:25
I have fibromylgia. My sysmtoms began when I was only 20 years old with my should and neck. It progressed to TMJ syndrome and joints, back and now I have all over my body. I was diagnosed with it only 2 years ago. I have lived on medication all my life but since the dx, I have totally stopped taking any medication of any sort. I live from day to day, one day at a time. I look great..no one can tell I have this illness because I don't reveal to anyone but I suffer a lot. I try to stretch regimes and I feel a little bit better when I wake up in the morning but as the day progresses, my pain worsens. I have alot of tingling in my fingers and toes. I cannot wear closed toe shoes for very long. What is the best way to live with this illness??? Any suggestions please?
judy yagow
20 Nov 2010, 21:19
Most of the symptons identified above seem to be similar to mine. That's good,because I thought it could be my imagination.
judy yagow
20 Nov 2010, 21:07
Both feet and hands have tingling and numbness and sometimes ache and my knees hurt as well. What is it?
elanza
04 Nov 2010, 10:23
burning pain in fingers in night(more in the left hand), general pain in hand during the day also but it worsens during night. pain in both the knees and elbows(more in left ones),neck pain, back pain for past two days now. CRP was 5, ESR was 4, RA negative, ANA negative, HLA-B27 negative, Anti-CCP negative. Some doctors say its fibro , some say it could be early polyarthritis. It started 7-8 months ago with knees pain. please help.
Priscilla
18 Oct 2010, 18:46
I have been having severe pain in the muscle of my calf and sometimes tingling in my feet.
Is is sbout several months now. I ususlly use to Aspercreme to massage it. I also take
Alleve. The pain will be relieved for a day but will return in a day or so.
Is there anything I can do,or use?
Michelle
29 Sep 2010, 12:38
I have had burning and numbness in my feet for the last 8 months...the burning is so intense I cant wear socks and some nights I cant stand to have the covers over my feet. I was just diagnosed with very low thyroid but for the last 3 months have been taking 100mg of thyroid meds a day and nothing has changed. I am miserable with this...somedays i can hardly walk...the low thyroid is all my Doc can come up with as to why I have this problem...any suggestions? Please
Brenda
22 Sep 2010, 17:58
My Dr. put me on Lyrica. I dont know much about it been on for 1 week. All my toes feel numb. part of my feet feel numb. I have to work 12 hr. I do a lots of walking dont know how I am going to deal with it.
Julie
21 Sep 2010, 22:47
Jennifer, I have been having the same problem. I have fibro and for the past week I have been numb from my right shoulder down to my toes. It hurts and makes it difficult if not impossible to get comfortable. I saw your post is from several months back. Please post again if you have found something that helps with this. Thanks!
wendy
12 Sep 2010, 04:45
I was diagnosed with FIBRO and CFIDS 14 years ago folks...and what kept me sick was the drugs.
I now hike, ski, ride horses and play golf and don't take any pharmacological fixes. I take a few different supplements and soak my feet in ebsom salt because our bodies are deficient in magnesium...especially if we sit at a computer for long periods of time.
MEDS MAKE YOU SICKER!!!!!!! I have beaten Fibro at 52 and yes.. I still get tired but with the 5-HTP, B-Complex, Amino acids and Probiotics and get off the flour, sugar, splenda/aspertane and yeast and you will start to feel better. I am also realizing that beef and soy are negatives to my body as well.
You also have to drink a lot of spring or filtered water. Chlorine messes with your bowel flora...
I recently have been through a lot of emotional stress in losing my daughter and have started with tingling in my feet but I forgot about the Vit D connection...and will up my Vit D to 4000 ius /day.

GET OFF THE MEDS>>>>THEY ARE MAKING YOUR WORSE!!!!!!!!
Becky
02 Aug 2010, 19:26
Jeri, I have recently been diagnosed with fibro. Your symptoms sound like what I have. Your best bet is to go to an Internal Medicine doc, or a Rheumatologist. I have to warn you, I went through exrays, 2 mri's, a nerve conductor test, bloodwork to rule out diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatiod arthritis, and an overnight stay in the hospital because the pain was so bad, it felt like my muscles were being ripped from my body, they suspected a heart attack (it wasn't) it was fibromyalgia. I don't want to scare you, but in my case it took 2 months to come to my fibro diagnoses. but you really need to get started on this. get to a dr as soon as you can. its not something you can die from, but the pain can be unbearable as time goes on. and there's several different meds to try, so the sooner you get diagnosed the better. i hope this helps.
F.Daniel Maloney
05 May 2010, 14:26
Ms. Guthrie,
With all due respect,NONE of the items
that you mentioned from icy hot to ben gay are a waste of money.To those of us,such as myself who have horrid,chronic diffuse pain from failed surgeries[11]to fibromyalgia,your input is a joke.
Physicians,pain clinics,physiatrists and more skilled pros are needed for 99% of us.
I apologize,but please make sense.
FDM
Jeri
07 Apr 2010, 17:31
along with the chronic pain I am also having bowel problems , memory loss and I am so fatigued does this sound like fibromyalgia? If not does anyone have any ideas as to what?
Jeri
07 Apr 2010, 17:24
I have cronic pain in my neck,shoulders, upper middle and lower back,both arms my hands feel as though they are burning and my chest and feet hurt every day for the past couple of months. My pain is not in all these places at once is just seems to move around. I have been to Dr's and have had test ultra sound, chest x-ray, hida scan, and blood work. I also have put on 40 lbs. I wonder if this could be fibromyalgia? If so what kind of Dr. should I ask for? Can anyone help?
Barbara Guthrie
06 Apr 2010, 12:19
One thing I have found that is a 'life saver' is Pain Patches. There are several brands that work well - the least expensive brand is Salonpas, in Wal-Mart. They are 2.56 in X 1.65 in (a strange size!) and slightly mint-scented (I enjoy it, and no one has complained about it).
When one of the trigger points begins to hurt, and is radiating out when you move (especially on top of shoulders or lower back), put a patch on top of the spot, and in a short time, the spot will go back to sleep! They last 8 - 12 hours!
If the spot is already radiating outward to a larger area, there are several brands available. Some, like Wellness and Icy Hot, come in 2 - 3 sizes and can be cut to make 2 or 3 smaller patches. That way, you can cover more spots and not have to buy new ones as often.
Some patches, like Therma-Care, heat up when exposed to air. I love the 'Neck & Shoulder' ones, to go over my shoulders front-to-back, or straight across the back a couple inches below my neck.
BenGay also makes very good pain patches; I have a couple of them on now!
Susan Gray
08 Mar 2010, 19:16
All over numbness for 5 yrs now and bedridden. Doc says my fibro which ive had about 25 yrs, i'm 58....low thyroid, body temp, fibro fog, eyesight, sensitive to heat and cold, rls, itching, hearing, all the pressure points for pain, tightness around my trunk and on oxygen, geezzzzzzzzzz. Could be worse.

Susan
Vickie
12 Feb 2010, 08:45
I, too, have fibromyalgia and had numbness and tingling in my feet. I also cannot take many medications due to hypersensitivities. My rheumatologist tested me for a Vitamin D deficiency which can cause neurological deficits. I laughed at her. My bad! I was very deficient in that vitamin. I now take 2000 IU of Vitamin D-3 each day, and the symptoms have dramatically decreased. It took about 2 weeks to realize the tingling was gone.
Deb
11 Feb 2010, 21:51
I used to do a lot of driving from Grand Rapids, MI to White Cloud,MI (hour and a half trip). Many times it would feel as though I had a string from my sock caught between my toes. On one trip when this happened, I looked down at my foot and realized it couldn't be a string, I was bare foot in sandles. :-) I have had FMS for over 30 years. I have had numbness in my feet, gout like pain in my toes, numbness and hot burning pain in my knee muscles, as well as arms, hands, shoulders, back .... Hmmm, I think that covers just about my whole body. I react adversly to medications like Neurontin, SSRIs, Elevil etc. I've tried just about everything at one time or another. Right now I'm taking Relafen (an anti-inflammatory) and chelated magnesium supplements. They seem to be working. I neglected to take them over the weekend & by Monday I could hardly walk. I've been taking two Relafen a day and 300 mg of magnesium 2x a day since then. While I am not pain free, at least I'm a lot more mobile and only need my cane for walking distances and for going up & down stairs.
MaryJ
11 Feb 2010, 19:48
Larry - If you have fibromyalgia and are from the Triangle area, please check out our support group at http://fibromyalgia.meetup.com/277.
Barbara Gifford
11 Feb 2010, 18:18
I have had sleep apnea with severe snoring since 1996 when diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I take 800 mg. neurontin twice a day for the pain and tingling and also take 1 1/2 ambien at night in order to sleep at least 6 hours with my cpap. Both medicines would be impossible to live without. I also take 60 mg. of oxycontin in the morning for the pain when I get up. I am not pain free by any means but can function quite well all day long. I have also been on disability since 1998. Neurontin is a great medicine for fibro.
Jennifer
10 Jan 2010, 06:57
I have fibomyalgia, about 1 month ago I started going numb all over mostly my arms hands and legs, it hurts so bad!!! lots of swelling also. Does antone else have this problem?
donna pooler
18 Jul 2009, 10:43
all over body numbness and pain on 800 mgs of neuronton please help Donna
Larry
17 Mar 2009, 21:23
I have sleep apnea and have always wondered about memory loss. I have yet to get a study from the VA on how sleep apnea affects memory. I have cold feet and tingling and sweats. Head aches are reoccurring and sinus problems more noticeable. I only sleep 4 to 6 hours before waking. It is difficult getting back to sleep. It is seldom that I get past second stage sleep. It is duly noted in my sleep studies. I know that sleeping without my CPAP can cause serious fatigue the following day and serveral days later. I had a tough time in college due to loss of concentration. I saw a bone and joint specialist and he diagnosed me with fibromyalgia after an exam along with xrays. I feel pain in so many areas over my body. The doctor pressed in places where I didn't expect to feel pain and it hurt. He asked me about headaches, loss of sleep, pain and fatigue. Next I might seek a clinical study with Wake Forest Med Center.
Do you have any advice?
Larry

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