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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Selkirk, MB

Hello, I have all symptoms of Fibromyalgia except I don't have widespread pain. I only have pain in my arms and hands, including joints. Sometimes there is tingling and burning, and heat but no redness. Does this sound normal or has anyone else been diagnosed with fibromyalgia with pain only/mostly in one area?

April 1, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members responded to someone questioning whether fibromyalgia could present with pain in only one area, with most sharing that their own... Read more

Members responded to someone questioning whether fibromyalgia could present with pain in only one area, with most sharing that their own fibromyalgia began localized in a single region like a leg, neck, or arms before gradually spreading over months or years to become the widespread pain typically associated with the condition. Several members gently noted that current diagnostic criteria require pain above and below the waist and on both sides of the body, suggesting the person might benefit from testing for rheumatoid arthritis given the focus on hand and joint pain. A recurring theme was that fibromyalgia pain often moves and shifts unpredictably from day to day, with flares lasting several days followed by periods of relative relief, and that early localized symptoms should not be ignored as they may evolve over time.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Yes. Started 30+ years ago just in my neck. Over the years it has moved down to include my back, feet and just about everywhere.

April 1, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I was diagnosed with a Mild case of fibromyalgia with pain mostly in only my left leg but over time the pain has moved around.

April 1, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi twinkle1 it's connie. I guess you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but it seems like you have arthritis as well as Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is normally throughout the body. Although you say you have it in your arms, hands and in the joints it seems most likely that you may have rheumatoid arithritis but, I am not a Doctor. You need to see a rheumatologist.

April 4, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

As Jerseyred said, this may evolve and change over time. Right now, for a diagnosis, the pain needs to be "widespread" - defined as above AND below the waist, on both sides of the body. Some people start with localized pain that ends up spreading and leads to a diagnosis. Since you mention your small joints (like hands) hurting, you might want to consider having your provider test you for rheumatoid arthritis just in case that is behind your symptoms!

April 3, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thats how i started off ten or eleven years ago and i ignored it and kept working. The pain, feeling exhausted and the other symptoms were ignored, i thought was down to my job but i got officially diagnosed six years ago when things started to get bad.

April 3, 2018

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