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Community > Expert Q & A > Fibromyalgia > Can Fibromyalgia be Cause of Foot and Hand Pain?
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Can Fibromyalgia be Cause of Foot and Hand Pain?

Q: Do fibromyalgia symptoms include foot and hand pain? I have such persistent pain in my thumb that it's difficult for me to write, and both my feet hurt when I put any weight on them. My hands and feet used to be the only parts of my body without persistent pain. Now this. Can you explain this?

A: Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by persistent pain throughout the body. The pain is usually felt in the muscles and soft tissues. The joints themselves do not show signs of arthritis such as pain and swelling. Fibromyalgia can occur together with another form of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

The prominence of your foot and hand pain suggests that arthritis, rather than fibromyalgia, may be – but is not necessarily – the cause of your pain. Foot pain can be caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis, which is the irritation of a band of soft connective tissue that spans the sole of the foot. Planter fasciitis can be associated with fibromyalgia. It is important that you get a full medical evaluation to determine the precise cause of your pain and to begin treatment, because treatment for other arthritis- related diseases is different from that for fibromyalgia.

David Pisetsky, MD, PhD, Rheumatologist

shannon
01 Sep 2010, 20:19
I am 35 yrs old for the last 6 months my feet and hands are in extreme pain.... where the toes are they tingle and hurt, the tops of my feet feel like they are on fire and when my husband or daugghter rubs them i cry cause the pain , it feels like they r trying to peel my skin.. my hands hurt bad at the joints.. oday was the first day i couldnt put shoes on my feet.. does anyone know whAT i should do or can do/
Debra Lowenstein
26 Aug 2010, 20:39
I had a stress test almost a year ago and I have NEVER been the same since. It's like my body has shut down. The pain in my back, hands, feet is overwhelming. I don't believe in Fibermyalsia, all it means is they haven't a clue as to what the problem is. And that is a kida way of saying this. I won;t repeat my Pain Doctor. Nothing helps and it is getting worse.
One Dr says I have instant RA but I NEVER had any symptoms prior to this stress test.Can someone just give me some valid advise on this..?
bill
25 Aug 2010, 07:58
I am beginning to look obsessive here. I am not, it’s a senior moment. Forget this time to mention the same ex partner referred to below, also suffered from psoriasis, a (mostly) severe skin disease with the side effects of connected arthritis. One only requires any degree small or large (lesion) to become susceptible to severe arthritic outcomes. Between us we battled this mystery disease to conclusion; now she is well and in no pain and is not dependent on drugs for relief. This is one good story anyway. Good luck.
bill
25 Aug 2010, 07:40
Sorry, forgot to mention, A blood test is available to test for past or present infection from "Ross River Fever"(australia).
bill
25 Aug 2010, 07:30
Judging by the responses, all sufferers must be female. I can assure all that it is not. Its a cross gender disease whatever it is. Tingling and incredably sore bottoms of feet are primary symptom at present, but its worsening quickly. I suspect a reaction to a virus. A past partner once suffered sever arthritic symptoms called sausage fingers caused from ross river fever.Very ill for six months but recovered after treatment with (to me)unknown cemothreapy drug which required blood tests every two weeks until therapy was completed. I acknowledge I may be confusing diseases here. However the bottom of feet pain is severest in the morning.
Kathleen
23 Aug 2010, 20:50
My rheumatologist says I had fibromyalgia as a small child (was misdiagnosed with rheumatic fever.) But no heart damage. I believe I had fibro and asthma. It went into remission, then returned full blown after some tragedies in our family. My feet are bad as are my hands, arms, neck, head. I go to the YMCA three times a week and do water aerobics. I have new muscles in my arms and some in the legs. I am 71 and still going strong. The water aerobics has also increased my stamina. I have been on Cymbalta for a couple of months. It helps some, but some days I feel quite manic. I'm also on a muscle relaxer along with generic
Darvoset. Somehow we managed to raise our 9 children. Life truly is worth living. Don't give up. Eat raw fruits & veggies, and eliminate meat and meat products.
kellie
11 Aug 2010, 01:26
When I was first diagnosed with FM 8 years ago I really did not believe it myself. It sounded kind of lame, probably cause most other people thought we complained about "daily" aches and pains. But now that we know we are not "insane", it doesnt hurt my feelings anymore when someone doesnt get "it". However, I just started this foot thing!! And every morning, it seems to be getting worse! Im 45 with 5 kiddos and I fear I wont be able to walk soon!! Is this what really happens next? Is anyone in a wheelchair from FM!!
LL
07 Aug 2010, 18:02
Over the past few years there has been an increase in pain in my shoulders, hips, hands, and feet. It seems to move around. It may affect one side or both. I know I have
osteoarthritis as it was picked up on xray in my spine and enlargement of joints of the fingers in one hand particulary. I had a sed rate done about 2 years ago, is that definitive that I don't have rheumatoid arthritis?
Moira
05 Aug 2010, 06:00
Hi Sylvia
I could be reading my own diary. Symptoms also stared on holiday, my left hand got very sore, within hours i could not bend my wrist. when i got hame my feet began to ache and both hands got worse, now so sore tht i cannot sleep during the night. just got an appointment with rheumatologist for next week, i am also pretty scared right now. I am desperately looking at all alternative treratments as these have helped before in other siuations, not that i have ever had this type of pain, biggest thing is that i dont understand the pain.
Hope we can both get some answers
Vancouver Orthotics
04 Aug 2010, 17:45
Thanks for sharing this information! The more useful and knowledgeable information out there the better. Please consider custom orthotics for treating foot pain in cases of flat feet or high arched individuals.

Dr. Michael Horowitz, Vancouver Orthotics
Kim
02 Aug 2010, 16:54
I to am happy to find this site. I often say I would like to know how it feels to be pain free. My feet have been in pain for two years now. my thumbs hurt constantly, my wrist, both knees. Certain parts of my body hurts when I touch it. Such as legs and arm. My neck and back hurts constantly which the result of a car accident I'm told. I can never sleep and when I want to I take tylenol pm and even then I'm waking up to pain. I woke up last night rubbing my leg and and yelling. Outch because it was burning. I have a Dr. Appointment tomorrow. I was going to only ask for RA testing. Is there other test I may need? And no one understands how I feel and it becomes depressing when I feel alone. Elbow hurting now so I must straighten out my arm now.







Debbie
27 Jul 2010, 18:19
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 8 years ago. I went a couple of years with chronic fatigue, aches, pains, problems with sleep (couldn't fall asleep, then once I did I didn't want to wake up). It seemed like one day the symptoms just went away. I noticed I would have a day or two here and there with symptoms, until eventually years have gone by without any. My son passed away 7 months ago. I'm finally making some changes in my life to try and move on and now those oh so familiar symptoms are creeping their way back into my life. Could it be the major stress and grief? If so, why is it coming back now that I'm mentally dealing with life better? I just don't get it. Does it ever go away completely?
Sylvia Schrecker
27 Jul 2010, 01:42
I am a 46 yr. old woman. Up until two weeks ago, I was healthy and strong. I happened to be vacationing when suddenly my right foot started hurting during the night. I woke up the next day and it hurt all day. I didn't say anything to my family as I have from time to time complained of pain in different parts of my body such as my neck, back of my head, shoulders, knees, etc. I attributed these pains to my frequent strenuous workouts. I have worked out for most of my life. Anyway, the pain in my foot got worse and as the evening rolled around, I could barely walk. I went back to the hotel room and iced it and my foot felt better the next day; however, my other foot then started to hurt. The morning after we arrived home, I got out of bed and found that I could barely walk. My hands were also hurting as well as my right shoulder to the point that it rendered me helpless for the rest of the day. After seven days of this continual pain, I finally went to see my doctor. I went for a series of blood tests and x-rays. I am supposed to see him tomorrow to get the diagnosis, although the nurse already told me over the phone that it's Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am feeling down and scared as I don't know what to expect. I've done some research but it's scary to read about the toxic side effects of some of the possible medications I could be put on. I wish this weren't happening but I hope that the Lord gives me the strength to deal with this illness.
Jo
24 Jul 2010, 10:46
My feet and hands started turning blue in March, but no pain....since then my hands and feet have been stiff and hurting, especially when I wake up in the morning....have been to several doctors that say nothing shows in my blood work, but that was before the pain started....Anyone have the color change in their hands and feet? They only are that color when I am still. I am 51. Very athletic and have never had problems beforepseudo-words. synapse
Paul
23 Jul 2010, 17:48
I have had arth. in my foot and ankle for 24 years I have been working and liveing in pain..was so bad couldnt hold a job anymore and had to move to desert. I have bone arth. and had gout arth, my joints are starting to hurt in summer when swamp coolers on and winter cant put shoes and socks on.. cant drive the car alot or else feet will hurt. summer I can walk and where shoes but winter I dont know what to do. havent been able to work for 3 years any sugestions on how to get my disability, and what is required for me to recieve it; My disability is worse in winter,,,
Linda
21 Jul 2010, 18:09
I sure can relate to all of the comments posted here!
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, CFS, Lupus & Osteoporsis 10 years ago.
I do get pain in my feet, especially my right one, so muxh so that at times, I loose my balance. I have some pain in my hands, it has affected my hand writting.
Recently, I started deing this phtsical therapist, that is very gentle, and teached me stretching exercises. They really do help!
I have tried to learn to pace myself (not easy), For example, yesterday I shampoed the rug in one of the bedrooms, and did some laundry. That's all I did, and today, I'm in so much pain, I've just stayed in bed, watching movies. But that's OK, I have to learn to accept my limitations, and give myself permission to take a day off, without feeling guilty about it.
I have pain pills that I take when things are really bad. At leadt they take the edge off!
We're all in this together, so lets hope that they find a cure soon!!!
tamera
19 Jul 2010, 01:49
hi everyone. i just found this site. i've had foot pain for 2 years. and recently i started having hand pain as well. from other symptoms i also have i now believe i have fibromyaligia but haven't been diagnosed yet.
DebH
16 Jul 2010, 11:43
I've had fibromyalgia for about 40 years, no diagnosis until 2002.
I've had foot pain whenever I've worn shoes without arch supports. When Thom McCann stopped making "Balloons," I couldn't find anything else, and after a while I developed horrible foot pain at a time when even going to the doctor was too much. Finally I got there and found I had been walking on broken metatarsals for 3 months. Since then I've broken them again and again and had to wear orthopedic "boots" for months at a time. Now they're so bad I can't walk without a rollator and not very far. Anybody who has foot pain, especially on the front of the foot, should get to a podiatrist or orthopedist to be checked, and don't settle for the first kind of orthotics if they don't work.
Recently I developed severe osteoarthritis in the IP joints in my thumbs (rather unusual). An article on this site about inflammatory osteoarthritis led me to the information that thumb and foot arthritis can both be caused by the same thing. Who would have thought?
Fibromyalgia makes the pain worse, but it isn't always the source of the pain.
lisandrea
13 Jul 2010, 14:36
I too was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.it is so awful , my leg, calves and feet burn and ache like crazy.sometimes I just sit and cry to sleep, or to even think.The medications that i am getting aren't doing a thing.I am in so much pain, it is so much pain to walk and i don't have any appetite.my tummy, sides and back aches a lot.The only time that I find little comfort is when I am sleeping.I am so depressed.
Toni
09 Jul 2010, 07:28
Tambi,

Before my monthly cycles ended about 2 years ago I did have an increase in pain around that time. I am now 53 and was diagnosed in 1997. My feet are terrible now like everyone else says, getting up in the morning is the worst!! I have tried all the drugs approved for Fibro and none work on me. I have also done all of the natural ways. I also have chronic fatique and give myself B 12 shots every week.
I would like to know if any of you have also tested positive for epstein barr virus? I am so thrilled to be able to have found this site!
candy
06 Jul 2010, 21:08
Cyndi, I got diagnosed with fibro about two and a half years ago. The foot and hand pain just started about 8mos ago. I have pain in the arch of my feet as well as the balls of my feet the back of my heels and my toes. It's awful. It is worse when I get up in the morning or if I've been sitting a while and get up. I don't even want to walk sometimes it's so painful. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night and when I move my feet and fingers I'm almost in tears. This illness is terrible, not only affects your whole body but hands and feet too. And it's something that never goes away. I wish they would find out exactly what this is and cure it.
Cyndi
06 Jul 2010, 13:56
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 4 years ago. I am 52 years old and had been having a lot of pain all over my body. I also have osteoarthritis in my hips and lower back. I have bad foot pain but mine is where the arch of the foot is. it hurts really bad to touch it and when i wake up and put my weight on it, it feels like it is broken...does anyone else get pain in the arch area of the feet>
Candy
22 Jun 2010, 19:51
Is there a Dr. out there that can tell us any other theories on why we all have this type of pain, besides the neurotrasmitters in our brains not functioning correctly. Isnt it true that having pain is our bodies way of telling us that something is wrong? Please help, this is so miserable!
Tambi
21 Jun 2010, 22:53
Glad to have stumbled across this site. I have been seeing my doctor for 8 months regarding pain in my shoulders, elbows,back of the thighs, knees and now feet.

Some of the pain feels like deep, achy muscle fatigue. My knees feel like they can't hold me up many days. Lately my feet feel as if the bones across the top of my feet are all broken - hurts to stand or walk.

The doctor put me on Cymbalta and told me to take Alleve. He just ordered a number of blood tests. He has yet to lable it Fibrmyalgia, but has me diagnosed as myalgia and myosis (sp?).

I seem to have good days and then it hits me like a ton of bricks. Sleep is almost impossible as it feels like every joint in my body is being attacked by the mattress.

It's nice to see that others feel many of the same symptoms.

Today at work a client actually told me I looked like I had had a really rough weekend - not what I want to hear.

However, I haven't noticed anyone stating their symptoms seem to become worse with their menstrual cycle. I am perimenopausal so my periods are coming closer together and so are the high pain levels.
Candy
18 Jun 2010, 18:37
I cant believe I came upon this site. When I was first diagnosed with fibro 3 years ago, even though the pain was unbearable, it was a relief to know that I wasnt alone. When my hands, wrists, fingers, toes and balls of my feet started hurting, again I didnt know what was up. I thought maybe arthritis, but my joints werent swollen, they just felt swollen, and it was more than that, more than just the joints. I looked for websites on fibro, thought maybe it was part of this illness. Finally I got desperate and just typed,"hand foot finger toe pain and fibromyalgia" and this is where it brought me. Im so glad I found this site, now I know that again Im not alone in this. Thanks you guys!
Loreen Carrabello
16 Jun 2010, 16:46
I cannot believe that so many people are experiencing my daily pain.
Now turning 65 this year, I think it is getting worse for me.
My feet are in so much pain and I have a toe and ball of my right foot that is swollen and I cannot move my big toe up and down. I am going to the doctor tomorrow hoping for some answer. I always think that maybe these symptoms are some other condition.
I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my knees; so maybe it is in my foot.
I get shooting pains that make me shoot outloud; my husband says even when I a sleeping. My feet hurt in the morning when first putting weight on them. I go for a walk and when I come back home they are really hurting. I just hate this condition and can only say we all are brave and must overcome this. I pray God heals me and you1
Antoinette
02 Jun 2010, 14:13
Hello everyone,

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in October of 2009 but have had symptoms for 3-4 years prior to the diagnosis. Like most of you I have on-going pain in my hands and especially in my feet. I take Savella, one of the newer Fibro meds and it helps a lot, even taking the edge off of the hand and foot pain. However, the foot pain never ends. From what I have learned about fibromyalgia in general as well as howmy body reacts to activity I figure the foot pain will never go away. I say this because my pain and flare-up are worse in muscle groups that I use frequently. Because I walk here and there and everywhere.....the pain in my feet will continue to be an issue. It is the same with my hands. BUT....I am 35 years old and I refuse to let this awful condition keep me at home alone and unable to function. It can be quite depressing at times to think that at age 35 I am unable to socialize the way I would like or even do simple things like hold an infant or vacuum the carpet without suffering muscle spasms for days aftward. It doesn't seem fair but I am taking this as an opportunity to take better care of myself. I don't always succeed but I am doing the best that I can.
Beth
27 May 2010, 13:13
My hands and feet have been hurting for years, but I've never gotten a diagnosis. Pain meds don't help, but diet seems to affect them. About 5 years ago, my feet hurt so much that all I'd do was sit in a chair waiting for my next (unhelpful) pain pill. I got a lot of relief when I stopped eating wheat products; the doctor figures I have Celiac Disease. But over the years the pain is getting bad again. It seems when I eat sweet things, even grapes, they get really painful. Maybe I just have to live on salmon, rice, & vegs.
Gigi
24 May 2010, 18:58
My feet hurt so bad I cant walk and if I do walk I cant put any press on them with out hurting also my hands are starting to ache and droping things, My hand and freet are so dry I keep putting cream on the, If a get a cut it takes for every to heal. I want some one to believe me that it really hurts, the doctor does he want to test me for sugar, it possible but it be going on. My ex husband thinks it all in my head but I know it now. My right hand hurts and aches so bad, and my poor feet hurt it starts at the toe and the pain get worse and worse. Please help...gigi
gailforce
23 May 2010, 14:18
I have suffered fybromyalgia eleven years now nothing seems to help had to come out of work last year stress aggravated condition pain all day allso musclespasms around rib cage at moment very painfull feet and hands cannot sleep at night for pain and numbness in hands and feet wake in morning feeling like i have been hit with bus my meds that i take are citalopram ,diazepan ,codipar,just takes edge off slightly but allways there allso fatigue at doing very little .this sounds awfull but it is comforting to know that i am not on my own and it is not all in my head .please someone find a cure only 43 feel like an old woman.
Toni
23 May 2010, 07:03
Sharon,
You sound like me. I try to keep busy and ask god everyday just to give me at least one day free of pain. It just continues to spread. I was doing better until it spread into my feet and legs so bad that I can barely walk. I am pleased to find this website. How did you get your family and friends to believe the pain is real. Everyone still looks at me like I am ok. I have tried everything. Methotrexate did not work for me. I only take vicodin for pain and that hardly takes the edge off. Hope to hear a comment back. Thanks!
Sharon
12 May 2010, 00:58
I have suffered from Fibro, first called epstein barr then CFS, then Fibro for well over 26 years now, long before it was accepted. Now I am on Chemo therapy for polymiositis, I take methotrexate. It has actually helped with the fibro pain all winter, but now indications are that I need to up my dose and I refuse, as the side effects are horrid. Sometimes life doesn't seem worth living, thank god for my children! Keeping busy helps, but it is hard to be busy when you are doped up on so many meds or like now I cannot walk. The pain in my hands and feet is so severe, and I was told that Fibromyalgia doesn't get worse! Could it be the onset of diabetes?
Toni
21 Apr 2010, 14:04
It is so miserable. My feet now hurt so bad I can hardly stand or walk. I am also one that is hard to hold down but this has got me. The vicodin hardly phases me anymore. Thank goodness for the B-12 injections to help with the CFS.
Ziggy
21 Apr 2010, 13:24
I have severe myofascial pain and fibromyalgia, how it was described to me fibromyalgia spectrum,am quite a strong person but this does have me beat. At the moment hands, feet and shoulders are very sore and can't get any heat into them. Pain going through fingers and up arms, this is a new problem. It is so hard most days to have any energy, to other people you look ok. Most medications prescribed by rheumatologist make me sick. This is going on 5 years, very hard to cope with but trying!
Bo
08 Apr 2010, 17:47
I have plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome...my podiatrist says I need surgery but is treating me with lyica which is used to treat FMS.Also stretching exercises and ice are part of the solution. I have to say that I am willing to do anything, anything healthy that is to help my condition. At 51 I am too young to be old!
Toni
08 Apr 2010, 09:15
Just curious, my doctor says 97% of his Fibro patients have tested positive for Epstein Barr Virus, CMV, and my system does not hold B-12. What an awful disease, many days I ask myself, why me. They say it is hereditary, I pray to God that one of my adult children or my grandson ever has to go thru this. I commend each and every one of us because no one realizes the pain we have daily.
Angie
08 Apr 2010, 07:30
I have Fibromyalgia. The past two weeks, the pain has been so intense. My hands are so weak that it shoots pain through them when I lift things and I have been finding myself randomly dropping things. The pain in my shoulders has been so extreme that I can barely lift my arms above my head and it hurts so bad when I sleep. After sitting for even a short time, my hips and inner parts of my kness hurt so bad. My knees just burn with pain.

I'm beginning to try some natural remedies added with exercise and diet change (more towards vegetarian). I'm hoping I will soon see a positive change. Has anyone else tried exercise and diet change and had relief?
Toni
05 Apr 2010, 20:46
Lydia,
No disrespect but you cannot have Fibromyalgia as bad as most of us or you could not comment that lifting weights, diet has helped. I have been every where and tried everything. Yes it is in the feet, hands, breasts, ears, my and yes the skin. My doctor calls it the touch. It is miserable and there is no real relief for any significant time. I have no let up on my pain and somedays I drop things because I cannot even use my fingers or hands let alone walk on my feet. I do make myself do things. Everyone thinks you are crazy because you don't look like anything bothers you. I take B-12 shots 3 times a week for the CFS, and don't know what I would do without them. The pain is everywhere!
faye
02 Apr 2010, 08:57
I have Fibromyalgia and i have constant stabbing and shooting pains in my hands and feet.
My feet dont swell but now and again it will feel as if my foot is swelling but there is no visual swelling . xxx
Diane
28 Mar 2010, 18:06
This burning and swelling and pain of the feet has limited what shoes I can wear. I can't even tie my tennis shoes. I seem to freeze all day and then slowly the tops of my feet feel red hot, swollen and numb and tingly. I am unable to wear my normal shoes so I was wondering if Diabetic Shoes would help (Dr. Comfort). Has anyone tried these? Please never think you are alone - and never, never, never give up!
sheri
19 Mar 2010, 21:31
I too have this horrible pain.. I just wish someone would come up with something other then pain meds.. sure get tired of pain. some days I can hardly be on my feet.
nancy
13 Mar 2010, 08:48
Thank you for all your helpful comments. I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and take lyrica. However, the burning on the tops/backs of my hands and tops of my feet...that does not respond to the lyrica. I'm just grateful to read that others experience what I do. Right now my hands and feet are on fire the tops of my feet feeling almost like they could pop. So, thank you for helping me know I am not alone and that this really likely is an extension of my fibro. Take care all of you.
Cheryl
02 Mar 2010, 19:31
Hi There, I am 51 and I do believe I have fibro as the balls and tops of my feet have sharp pain also affecting my ankles. Walking slowly without flexing feet keeps the pain low plus very expensive shoes with cork and also the new rocker shoes that places more weight on instep and not heels or toes.Orthotics definately supports the instep relieving pressure. Pure Glucosamine with MSM and Pure Bozwaila (Maxi Boz)are very helpful but prolonged use over 3 years may upset stomach. Very good for headaches from tight shoulder muscles.Anti-imflammatory natural herb.
As a data inputter,my shoulders often give out but I learned to completely rest arms over lunch hours and it has improved my pain, less of it but still there. Ergonomical mouse tilting your wrist on an angle reduces wrist pain believe me.Don't use a flat mouse inputting, not a natural movement for wrist.Rehab has given me this huge tip and it saved me from pain.IN MY CASE I HAVE many cousins/aunts on same side of family that have same pain and officially diagnosed. Runs in our family and now we are all aware it could be in our genes.Good Luck!
Pam
23 Feb 2010, 18:18
I am so glad to find this discussion, about symptoms I have wanted to know about for weeks.
I have fibro and osteoarthritis, even though I have symptoms of rheumatoid; my newest dr. says it's not rheumatoid. Anyway, today is the worst all-over pain I have had in months, but the balls of my feet and ankles have been hurting for weeks. I have been trying to find out if the foot pain is fibro, and from your answers I find it may be arthritis. I am on a pain med, Ultracet, because I cannot take the anti-inflammatories. I take it for fibro, osteoarthritis and headache prevention from the arthritis in my neck. Today, though, the Ultracet is not working. A free chair massage only helped for about an hour.
Don't take this wrong, everyone, but I am glad that I am not the only one experiencing the ball of the foot pain that makes my ankles hurt. I'm hurting like mad as I write this, and can't wait to go home from work and get into a hot tub with epsom salts.
I am also going to crank up my electric mattress pad to high, to help with my pain for sleep.
Barb
19 Feb 2010, 10:14
Hello my name is Barb and I can relate to all of you. I have RA and Fibromyalgia. I am taking Cymbalta for the fibro and Enbrel for the RA...The meds are helping me because when I decided I didn't need the Cymbalta anymore because to co-pay was $50.00 I paid dearly..lol I am always in pain..Everyday and Every Night...it's awful. I am 49 going to be 50 in June and people always say you look great...so when I complain of all my aches and pains they tend to look at me as it I were crazy..the people that know me well can see it in my face. My hands have been killing me forever right now they are stiff and swollen. I have a great doctor and she is very good about trying to help me and really listens to what I say...But she also says to me that it's good that I realize that there is always going to be pain..I'm learning to deal with it because I don't have a choice...I cry too...believe me..Well I'm glad I found this site and not that I want anyone to suffer but it makes me feel a little better to know that I'm not the only one feeling like this...Good Luck to everyone. : ) try to smile and be happy!!!! It helps...sometimes..lol
Gwen Clien
26 Jan 2010, 16:16
I wakeup with my fingers bent down and numb. I shake my hands to get feeling into them. Last night my right hand the finger closer to my little finger felt it had a tight ring on squeesing my finger as though it were cutting off the blood. Does this happen to anyone else. I've been very stressed and the days have been leading up to me feeling really terrible.
julie
17 Jan 2010, 20:42
I also have had fibromyalgia for several years. At first I was diagnosed with RA and after 3 years of treatment with different drugs and no relief he Rheumatologist then changed it to fibro. I can't take ibuprofen since I am on Warfarin and Tylenol does nothing for me. I also have pain in my hands and the top of my feet. Pain in knees, shoulders, back etc. Does anyone have problems with balance and shin pain? I have those also. I have got to the point where I think I will have to get a cane for when I am away from home. My husband and grown sons don't understand the pain I am in because I look well. I feel embarresed using a cane at 62 yrs. old
Carol
09 Jan 2010, 15:51
I have Fybromyalgia, and like a lot of you it's worst in my hands arms and feet. This probably sounds strange, but I get some let up from the pain by using support bandages. The 'squeezing' seems to confuse the pain sensation and gives real relief. Hope this helps - (crep bandages work best for hands and tubi grips on arms) I've also tried medical thermal gloves meant for arthritis that work well too - the heat helps as well as the squeezing sensation.
Carol
19 Dec 2009, 10:36
I have experienced the same symptoms plus a 640 ANA and no answers from doctors. I think I traced my muscle and sleep problems back to the antibiotic Floxin. Magnesium, vitamin C, melatonin and apple cider vinegar have helped as has staying away from MSG and nutrasweet. My ANA is normal now and my hair quit falling out and I sleep better too. 250 mg of Magnesium 4-6 times per day and keeping calcium supplementation under 500 mg per day seems to help the muscle pain and muscle cramps. My blood pressure is normal too. Vitamin C and apples/apple cider vinegar seem to help the joint pains and foot pains. Melatonin and occasionally St. Johns Wort helps for sleep. Omega 3 or lots of fish and shrimp seem to help with mood and brain fog. All this helps but certainly is no cure.
sandi
08 Dec 2009, 10:50
I am so grateful that people on this site have opened up their hearts to share the awful pain of fibromyalgia. I raised two fine guys (23 and 18) and went back to school to get my Masters degree when I found I could no longer type. I quit last December and was hopeful the pain in my pinkie, ring finger, and thumb could be diagniosed. I did not want to accept I had fibromyalgia because it just hit me like a tornado. It seems to be spreading to my calf. I have cried enough to fill up the Dead Sea. I have found that yoga stretches, hot salf water baths and a 30 minute walk help for me. It is true you have to distract yourself from this syndrome and keep busy or you will find your self feeling stiff and uncomfortable when night comes. In the morning, my pinkie finger sticks and I feel terribe pain in my wrist and forearms. I sleep with hot water bottles and ice packs. I am now on Cymbalta and hope it works--some. pai Has Cymbalta helped anyone on this cite with the hand pain? You are all in my prayers--sandi
Ida Marie
02 Dec 2009, 20:51
I have fibromyalgia, arthritis, bunions and a hernia. The fibromyalgia makes everything worse. I came on this website to see if it effects the feet. I will soon be 70, but I don't consider myself an old 70. I clean houses 3 days a week, do all my own yard work, paint my own home etc. However, as everyone is amazed at what I do, I could sometimes just sit and cry if I would let myself, as everything I do hurts me more and more. I am going to a foot Dr. tomorrow, but I am afraid he "won't" find anything. I will return to this website to read more from others.
kathyh
21 Nov 2009, 09:52
dianne i also have the same problems with my feet it started out with platar flas? then the feet kept hurting i walked and climbed ladders for 23 years at work have had both hands operated on for carpal tunnel and trigger thumbs both one finger three times and i was only 20 now i'm 53 lost my job no insurance they tell me i have osteoarthritis had left knee sugery its bone on bone need replacement, i can't hardly get to bathroom from my bed thats only about 20 steps and the shooting pain i can't describe it now the depession is getting to me. does anyone else have this
Patty
10 Nov 2009, 10:53
I have read all these posts and I can't believe there are so many people that have the same pains that I have. My feet hurt so bad when I get up in the morning, I can hardly walk. I have pain in my hands and elbows, too. Actually, I hurt all over...it moves from day to day. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist next week but I am concerned that I won't be diagnosed with anything. I just want to know that it is not all in my head as some people seem to think. I am 55 and I have felt so good until the last 6 months, I feel like I have aged 20 years!
kwiklip
06 Nov 2009, 22:33
I thought I was the only one with these symptoms, but it looks like a lot of people have hand and foot pain associated with fibro. I am having a tough time getting a diagnosis -- the last rheumatologist I went to just went on a tirade about how fibromyalgia "isn't real" for my whole appointment. I have done extensive research on it for the past couple of years (beginning at the onset of symptoms) and I know this is the diagnosis. Soon after the symptoms started, my hands swelled up so much I thought I was having an allergic reaction to something. The swelling soon spread to my feet and is now the norm. I look like I have small, bright red sausages for fingers and my toes aren't that far behind. I have gone up a full shoe size and still can't really find anything that fits right. The intense pain is more recent, getting worse in the past month or so (onset of winter?). My heart goes out to those that described crying over the pain, and feeling uncomfortable sharing with loved ones exactly how bad it can get. I had a small breakdown in front of my 10-year old son earlier tonight. I felt foolish crying because of something that isn't really visible, but IT IS REAL. It hurts. Does anyone else have the redness and swelling I described?
annie
01 Nov 2009, 18:58
for the past 6 months, when I get up in the middle of the night to walk, my toes and feet hurt so much I can barely walk. When I wake up, my fingers and toes feel very sore. But once I am up, it seems to go away. If I sit for a movie or at work, and go to get up, its my toes, balls of my feel and fingers that are so sore. I tried Aleve, tylnol for arthritis, and advil, and there is no change. I had a bout of plantar facia in one foot years ago and treated it with the boot and it has not reoccured. this is very different from that.
any ideas?
Jama
15 Oct 2009, 23:16
For the past 7 years I have been experiencing pains in my hands starting from the top of my wrist to the tops of my hands and the same for my feet, starts at the tops of my ankles and radiates on top of my feet.Both hands and feet burn and sting, I have spasms and cramps, on occasion I have bone pain. I live in Alaska and the cold makes my muslces tense up and makes them hurt even more... When there is a low weather pressure coming, I could feel it in my hands and feet that bad weather is coming 2-3 days before it hits us....When I first wake up in the morning, the pain is barely there but when its bed time..OMG, I have cried myself to sleep on many occasions. Finding shoes that feel comfortable or even fit because of the swelling is quite a chore so I have resort to slip on shoes and slippers. My rheumatology panel shows slight elevations but not impressive for the doctors to treat me.I have seen different types of specialist and none of them know what it is, so they pass me on to the next doctor...I have been diagnosed with different things but none fit the symptoms I have.

At the moment I am on a Neurotin and lots of Ibuprofin... sigh!!!!
Mary
02 Oct 2009, 15:15
This is to Dianne,
Your symptoms sound like Plantar Facia, I have it as well very severe. It is exactly how you desribe it. You are not crazy.. You need to go to a foot Doctor, there is treatment. Although mine is so bad they have done everything there is and nothing helped me. I also have Fibro Myalgia. I am in constant pain.
Karen
29 Aug 2009, 00:35
I have had fibromyalgia for 13 years now, and I notice that the symptoms are always changing but the one constant is that when it flares up my hand and the tops of my feet are the worst. Does not feel like arthritis feels like when you have an ache that never wants to go away. My symptoms flare up in the spring and summer it gets really bad. I feel best in the winter, I guess I should move to Alaska. I do find that I feel the worst when I am at home an trying to relax, when I am working it keeps my mind occupied and off the discomfort. I also get tingling and numbness in my hands and it is very uncomfortable and in the summer I seem to retain water so I have to take a water pill to combat the swelling. It is not a very pleasant feeling and even though it is not life threatening, some days I feel like I just want to cry, but I won't let myself. The key as someone else said is to keep busy and light work out, for those that have the time.
Deb
12 Aug 2009, 10:33
My orthopedist sent me to an Arthritis Specialist office. I got 'Dougie Houser'. He took one look at me, decided I looked fine; and
the fact that I was a nurse, didn't help. Just
another one of those 'know it all, complaining
nurses'. He said he thought I didn't get enough exercise or take enough calcium. He refused to run a Lupus test. I'll be a great
looking corpse one day.
lydia
20 Jul 2009, 09:00
I have both fibro and arthritis. I was very fatigued and achey on most days. I got the book, "The fibromyalgia Handbook" and followed the regimen described. Very simple...exercise is the key..esp weightlifting. Start very easy...1 lb wts and 1set of 8 if possible...walk a little...if you are persistant, you will experience relief...exercise is very important but you don't have to do a lot...I also decided to eat more natural foods rather than prepackaged...your body needs the antioxidants to fight disease instead of all the additives in boxed food. Fruits and vegetables, soymilk, chicken, fish and some lean porkchops. If you strengthen your muscles, it will help you. I don't have too many fatigued days anymore and I sleep better at night. Also, get some sun for serotonin to help sleep. I hope this helps someone out there to feel better.
Dianne
11 Jul 2009, 02:49
Hi, I have pain in my feet, they hurt so bad when I get up, kind of lessen up, as I continue walking, but when I sit or lay down then get up again, pain.... it's really bothersome.... sometimes when I am relaxing, pain will shoot, it really drives me crazy.... sometimes I want to cry.... does anyone else feel this way????? sometimes I feel like if I complain too much, my boyfriend and my family will think I'm crazy....... I have pains in my elbows, both at times, but right now it's my left one, hurts when I touch it.... feels slightly swollen..... I really hate this....
Sue
21 Apr 2009, 04:18
I have Fibromyalgia have had it for nearly five years. I am a lot of medication but find that nothing seems to get rid of the pain. It feels like if someone just touched your muscles they would bruise. I also cannot write for any length of time without my hsnds hurting and my feet feel like they have pins in them. The fatigue is difficult to describe and I have to force myself to do things. Looks are deceiving the assumption that because you look alright does not mean that you are unless you havr this condition it is dilfficult to understand the level of pain and problems caused by it.
Jenny
10 Apr 2009, 17:55
I, like Mary, have severe pain in the hands and numbness/tingling in my feet. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 25 years ago. I have also been diagnosed with Lupus and Sjogren's syndrome.
The pain in my hands is worse in my thumbs also. I can only write about 4 sentences before the pain is so severe I can't write anymore. Over the years my fibromyalgia has steadily gotten worse. I am on disability now for 6 years. It is to the point that the only place I feel comfortable is at home. I have become a hermit. I get so tired of people saying I look so good when I feel like I've been hit by a Mac truck... I have difficulty walking now and I am only 53 years old. I have used my father's cane around the house a few times because I've had such severe pain in my calves and outside of the knees. My feet are also a real problem in walking.
mary
30 Mar 2009, 17:40
I have Fibromyalgia and my hands are killing me.
I can't believe with all the pain med's I am on, they still hurt so much. My thumbs ach.
My Doctor says it's Arthritis.

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