Muscles and misery

[Fluffyhop216034]

I've been recently diagnosed with fybro.. and I'm having a terrible flare up my leg muscles are weak and constantly aching to the Point where only place I can get comfy is the sofa. I'm constantly in tears. All the pain killers I have tried don't help, I don't know what to do anymore at 36 with an active 8 year old I am miserable (I feel 90 with this flare). Can any one suggest anything to help with the leg muscle pain? I'm already on a high dose of antidepressants for my anxiety and depression.

[CheetieCat]

Hi, gentle muscle stretches throughout the day, they are a bit painful but the more you do them the easier it gets. Sitting with your legs straight out in front of you bring your toes towards you you'll feel stretch right down back of your legs.

If you've got stairs stand with your toes on the edge of the step and drop your heels down, same stretch.

Lean against wall or worktop one leg a good bit behind the other, both feet flat on the floor and facing forward, bend front leg you'll feel stretch in back leg.

Google physio exercises for leg muscles and you'll get a lot more ideas, they're easy to slot in while you're making a cuppa, dinner or just going upstairs & they really do make a difference.

Also heat is good, hot water bottles, Wheat packs for microwave, Epsom salt baths, hot showers, Magnesium spray & freeze spray too. Personally I get a lot of relief with magnesium, I use the spray & tablets.

Hope some of this helps x

[Frogge in reply to CheetieCat]

All the things here are great ideas! I would just add that sometimes voltaran gel helps my legs feel less cramped up. It is over the counter now, so it might be worth a try!

[CheetieCat in reply to Frogge]

Actually never thought of using it on legs! I know some people use it on their hands with good results, unfortunately I can't try it on as I'm already on an anti inflammatory but definitely worth a try if you're not.

[Carlt]

I find my TENS machine helps a lot with leg pain.

[Cat00]

Cardio is the only thing that helps my legs.

[geminilady]

I am so sorry you are in so much pain with the flare! I sympathise, and im sure everyone reading this does, we have all been there. Trial and error is the best advice i can offer, you have to find a way to cope with it, rest whenever you can, learn to read the signs your body will send to you, pace yourself and if you can only get comfortable on the sofa then so be it. It doesnt really matter where you rest or sleep as long as you get some. And i can recommend an over the counter gel called Freeze gel, its cheap as chips, but it works. You can buy it as a spray, a tub of gel or in a tube. Works for me. Gives me enough pain relief to be able to get back to sleep. Give it a try, it may help you too. Keep your spirits up, you are not alone. Gentle hug to you.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello a very good reply from CheetieCat I do use a rub in gel on calf muscles called bio freeze , I differently couldn’t go without a soak without my Epsom s bath. It’s horrid being in pain and I do understand how it must get you down, keep in touch with your doctor whilst your anxiety/depression is bad, I went through some rough years , I am now on duloxtene and has taking my anxiety completely away. Xxx

[Lucozade]

I understand where you are coming from, sometimes my pain is so severe I end up crying. I find freeze sprays a huge help to me. Hope the pain eases for you.

[MummyinPain]

I'm sorry you're feeling this way 😔 I totally understand. My 7yo boy and 9yo girl miss out on a lot with me when I'm suffering. Naproxen helps with my muscles to a certain extent. Calf stretches, kinesiology taping, warm baths, jacuzzi bubbles/hydrotherapy pool, deep freeze gel, using a foot stool and self massage all help me for a short while. Don't give up lovely, keep trying as much as you can to help yourself and asking doctors for alternatives. I've not tried it, but a physiotherapist may be able to 'prescribe' you a tens machine to see if that works, then you could get your own. Good luck xx

[Midori]

Fibro is an odd beast; it gets everyone differently. That said, laying on the sofa all day will result in the pain and stiffness ultimately getting worse. It is difficult with an 8 year old, but it is important to keep moving, as your bones and muscles can suffer otherwise, That is why exercise is important.

A good ploy with the 8 year old is to take him or her down to the local play park, let them run around and wear themselves out! You can sit on a seat and watch, perhaps with a book. This will a, get you out in the fresh air and help boost your vitamin D with the sunlight, b, the walk to the play park will help stop the body leaching vitamin D From your bones in the form of calcium, as to an extent they feed from each other, c. help to prevent future Osteoporosis.

Tai chi is a good form of exercise for suppleness and is low impact.

Hope this is some help.

Cheers, Midori

[hails57]

My legs play me up when walking too far, I say too far they start at about 50 yards! I try to walk through the pain or stop & start when I take dogs out & manage half a mile & sometimes a mile. They ache just going up & down stairs as well.I use heat bags, hot water bottles, long soaks in the bath. Take each day as it comes & rest when you need too. Hard with children I know.

I too suffer with mental health but I find listening to guided visualisation meditations on youtube really help me escape & totally relax, they help me sleep at night & sometimes I nod off during the day when I listen to them.

Hope you find our suggestions helpful & you find your way to cope & manage the day to day struggle we all go through. Try the meditations, The honest guys on YouTube really take me away from my pain 😊🌸