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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Orlando, FL

I am very curious to find out if the debilitating muscle cramps (Charlie horses) are a symptom others have with fibromyalgia.

I experience them typically if I over exert myself, standing too long, etc. I get them in my legs, calves, thighs and feet, sometimes all at the same time, and they come and go in waves like labor contractions. I have to walk and stretch. I also get them under my rib cage on both sides, usually one side at a time. They come on from laughing, coughing, bending standing… read more

May 28, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly confirmed that severe muscle cramping, including charlie horses in the legs, feet, and under the ribs, is a common and... Read more

Members overwhelmingly confirmed that severe muscle cramping, including charlie horses in the legs, feet, and under the ribs, is a common and debilitating symptom of fibromyalgia. Several members shared practical strategies that have helped reduce cramping frequency and intensity, including taking magnesium supplements or soaking in Epsom salts, staying well-hydrated with water throughout the day, drinking pickle juice or tonic water for quick relief, using muscle relaxers like tizanidine, and ensuring adequate potassium intake through foods like bananas. A recurring theme was the frustration of doctors dismissing concerns despite normal blood work, the overlap of symptoms with thyroid issues that can worsen cramping, and the comfort of knowing others truly understand the painful and unpredictable nature of these cramps.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I used to have leg, finger and toe cramping on a regular basis. One problem was dehydration so I began drinking more water. Sometimes I could stop leg cramps quicker by drinking large glasses of water and milk when they started (picture stumbling to the kitchen in intense pain.) When I complained about cramping and having trouble getting to sleep at night, my pain specialist recommended magnesium ("Calm" helps my constipation as well). So I began drinking full glasses of water, Calm and milk every night before bed. My cramps have disappeared!

May 29, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

For the muscle spasms I too take magnesium, but I keep dill pickle juice or tonic water near at all times they both work quickly and I drink a lot of water too

May 31, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Try GLYCERIN.. Rub it on the bottom. Of your feet and up your legs. I've been doing it for 3 weeks now and m pretty convinced it helps a lot plus drink lots of water. It is a fibro symptom and most of us are on some kind of medication that dehydrates us that also caused muscle cramps. Hugs and Prayers

May 29, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I get cramps in my TOES ! And they hurt like heck. What I hate is that nobody believes how bad it is. It's so frustrating.

May 29, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I, too, get some horrific cramps - neck, hands, hamstrings, quads, all the way down to toes. Can be very painful and very annoying. I already drink quite a lot of water and I do find that massaging whatever muscle or muscle group helps (even the tendons). If you can tolerate massage therapy (find one has experience with fibro and who will listen to what you tell them that you can tolerate, i.e. pressure, etc.), I strongly recommend it.

Magnesium has been a great help to me. Check with your doctor to make sure you are able to take it safely. I have to admit that I take quite a bit of it - but just enough to help knock down those dang cramps. Doesn't seem to matter whether the weather is warm or cold - I get 'em anyway.

Magnesium also helps me sleep - which is a great side benefit.

May 29, 2018

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