The fibromyalgic syndrome o Fibromyalgia is a complex medical condition that generally occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 55.
this condition causes multiple muscle aches of severe intensity, tiredness or chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, disturbance of mental functions and alteration in the mood of those who suffer from it. Its diagnosis is complex and is the cause of a great debate among the medical community.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
The symptoms necessary to establish the diagnosis of fibromyalgia or fibromyalgic syndrome are:
Widespread and persistent pain
(Greater than 12 weeks). Patients report suffering from multiple muscle pains constantly and periodically during the last 3 months.
To be considered generalized, the pain must be located in both halves of the body, on the right and left sides, above and below the waist. The most frequently involved muscles are the supraspinatus, scapular, and trapezius.
Fatigue
Patients report feeling exhausted without energy all the time, even after having slept continuously for more than 8 hours.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Many fibromyalgia patients suffer from restless legs syndrome, which impairs their ability to sleep and rest.
cognitive difficulties
Patients find it difficult to concentrate, remember, or focus their attention on a specific task.
Rigidity
Patients may have stiffness in their joints that makes it difficult to move their limbs or extremities.
Multiple unexplained symptoms
Patients frequently report feeling difficulty performing their activities, suffering from depression, anxiety and interpersonal problems.
Connection between fibromyalgia and leg pain
The vast majority of fibromyalgia patients report localized pain in the front (below the belly) of the thighs and hips, as well as in the back (below the back) of the legs. This pain can occur at any time, being more intense at night.
During hours of rest, leg pain is usually accompanied by a feeling of discomfort and heat in this area. This requires the constant movement of the lower extremities, which is known as restless legs syndrome.
Characteristics of leg pain in fibromyalgia.
- Leg pain in fibromyalgia should be symmetrical, that is, both lower limbs should hurt in similar places at the same time.
- The areas most commonly affected by leg pain in these patients are the muscles of the anterior thighs, the innermost part of the thigh on the inner side, and the legs on the back.
- You should not have any history of recent trauma or sign of a blow to the area.
What causes leg pain in fibromyalgia?
The fibromyalgia patients are extremely sensitive to pain, it is believed that an alteration occurs in their brains that affects the centers that are responsible for interpreting and recognizing painful signals. This alteration causes the stimuli to be interpreted inadequately.
To the extent that even in the absence of any stimulus, the brain emits signals (secretion of substances called neurotransmitters) that trigger the sensation of intense pain. This is known as a state of overreaction or exaggerated response.
How is fibromyalgic syndrome diagnosed?
The diagnosis of fibromyalgic syndrome it is a bit complex and can be annoying for the patient. Because this is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that in order to be diagnosed, it is an essential requirement to rule out other possible causes of all the symptoms and disorders that the patient refers to.
In addition to the fact that the patient must undergo multiple laboratory tests and must fill out a symptom guide or diary to corroborate the syndrome.
Regardless of how obvious all the symptoms of this are and how prolonged the condition is, the practice of this protocol is mandatory in order to avoid preventable complications.
What is the treatment for leg pain in fibromyalgia?
The treatment of leg pain in fibromyalgic syndrome consists of treating the disease itself, since the cause of the leg pain is the disease. Approved treatments may include:
- Analgesics. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the first to be used, changing for others of greater potency according to need.
- antidepressants. They control the symptoms of fatigue and changes in mood and concentration.
- Anxiolytics. They reduce anxiety and improve the concentration of patients.
- Muscle relaxants. Muscle tension is a trigger for symptoms, by reducing or eliminating it, relief of all symptoms is achieved.
- Antiepileptics. Cellular membrane stabilizers control the pain caused by this disease in a more effective and lasting way.
- Physical therapy. Physiotherapy may be necessary to restore the minimum conditions for a full and healthy life.
References
- Fibromyalgia: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology. (2018). Accessed through https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/329838-overview
- Hutchison. (2018). Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and research. Accessed through https://www.fmcpaware.org/2011-12-20-21-09-14/fibromyalgia-sintomas-diagnostico-tratamientos-e-investigacion.html
- Fibromyalgia: what it is, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. (2018). Accessed through https://inforeuma.com/enfermedades-reumaticas/fibromialgia/
- Fibromyalgia. (2018). Accessed through http://espanol.arthritis.org/espanol/disease-center/fibromialgia/
- Fibromyalgia – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. (2018). Accessed through https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354785