Fibromyalgia & Thigh Pain

Fibromyalgia in the thigh is an extremely painful condition 1. The primary symptom is a dull ache in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Often, inflammation accompanies the pain. Pain can also radiate to the thigh from other areas. Medical researchers are still trying to study its origins as there seems to be no trigger point for the ailment. Fibromyalgia thigh pain can cause a weakness in the legs and, at times, virtually incapacitates a person. Treatment can include rest, ice, heat, medications, massage and exercise.

Considerations

Some alternative or natural medicine practitioners believe that fibromyaliga pain in the thigh or other areas is caused by an overgrowth of candida albicans, a diploid fungus that lives naturally in the body. An overuse of antibiotics, corticosteroids, birth control pills, poor diet and stress can possibly spur this condition. Consequently, the excess fungus and their toxins can invade cells, tissues and tendons like the quadriceps (thigh) muscle and upper knee area. Natural treatment for fibromyalgia thigh pain may include eating more vegetables and taking certain supplements.

Effects of Rest, Ice and Heat

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Most people with fibromyalgia thigh pain rest for a specific period of time. Certain activities such as running may aggravate their condition. Ice can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the thigh. Ice causes vasoconstriction, which reduces inflammation and pain by limiting blood and lymph flow to the affected area. Ice is most effective if used at 20-minute intervals throughout the day. Once inflammation has subsided, heat can help promote blood (with its healing properties) flow to the area.

Types of Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can relieve inflammation and pain in the thigh caused by fibromyalgia. Doctors may also prescribe steroids for a person with fibromyalgia thigh pain. Muscle relaxants and anti-depressants may also be used to treat fibromyalgia pain. According to his Spine-health.com article entitled "Fibromyalgia: Medications for Fibromyalgia," physical medical specialist Dr. Thomas Van Sistine says, "in a study of 70 fibromyalgia patients that evaluated the efficacy of 50 mg of Amitriptyline, patients receiving the Amitriptyline had significantly improved quality of sleep, morning stiffness, pain analog and global assessment."

Types of Exercise

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Certain stretching and strength-building exercises can help with fibromyalgia thigh pain. Stretching can help promote mobility in the thigh and adjacent joints as well as remove scar tissue. It also gets the muscle used to movement again. Strength-building exercises such as leaning against a wall in a squat position can also alleviate fibromyalgia thigh pain. It is best to start off slowly with exercise and gradually add more movements. Both stretching and strength-building exercises foster healing by promoting blood flow to various areas of the thighs.

Benefits of Massage

Natural medicine practitioners sometimes use deep tissue massage for relieving fibromyalgia thigh pain. They believe it can help remove toxins from muscle tissues and joints. Sometimes, colon irrigation (cleansing colon with water) is performed after these session to rid the body of toxins.