Fibromyalgia doesn't cause direct joint damage in the knees but leads to deep, aching pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), increased sensitivity (tender points), fatigue, and a feeling of swollen joints, even without visible swelling, making knee pain a common and challenging symptom that can overlap with conditions like osteoarthritis.
Unlike the localized pain found in specific joint conditions, fibromyalgia-related pain is more diffuse and common symptoms can impact various parts of the body, including the knees. Outlined below are the ways in which knee pain from fibromyalgia may resemble symptoms of other conditions.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Any soft tissue (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) may be affected. But soft tissue of the neck, upper shoulders, chest, rib cage, lower back, thighs, arms, and areas around certain joints are especially likely to be painful. Less often, the lower legs, hands, and feet are painful and stiff.
Ninety (73%) of the fibromyalgia patients reported altered bowel function as compared to 20 (37%) DJD patients and none of the normal controls (P less than 0.001). Ninety-nine patients (81%) reported normal alternating with irregular bowel pattern, and 77 (63%) had alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Unlike traditional compression garments, the IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeve is designed with all-day comfort in mind. This makes it the ideal choice for people living with chronic pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, overuse or other conditions.
The #1 mistake making bad knees worse is excessive rest or inactivity, which weakens supporting muscles, leading to stiffness and instability, creating a vicious cycle of pain and dysfunction, even though it feels counterintuitive; the solution involves controlled movement and strengthening exercises (like walking, swimming) to support the joint. Other major mistakes include wearing unsupportive shoes, carrying excess weight, and performing movements that involve twisting.
This study identified fibromyalgia as a risk factor for a number of medical complications following TKA. Orthopaedic surgeons must be aware of the potential for poor TKA outcomes among these patients and should provide them with appropriate medical care and pre-operative guidance.
Toothaches in those with fibromyalgia aren't always due to typical dental issues such as cavities or gum disease. Instead, fibromyalgia can cause orofacial pain that is unrelated to these common dental problems1.
TNX-102 SL (Tonmya; Tonix Pharmaceuticals), cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets, has been approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia in adult patients, making it the first new treatment approved for the musculoskeletal and chronic pain disorder in over 15 years and the fourth treatment approved overall.
Other Overlooked Symptoms
Those autoimmune diseases include:
Massage therapy can ease chronic pain, fatigue, sleep issues and mood challenges linked to fibromyalgia. This blog explains how targeted soft-tissue work, improved circulation and careful technique support individuals with fibromyalgia by reducing pain sensitivity and improving sleep and mobility.
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain and tenderness all over your body. Unlike arthritis, this isn't because you have problems with your joints, bones or muscles.
You should worry about knee pain and see a doctor if you have severe pain after an injury, can't bear weight or move your knee, experience significant swelling/redness/warmth, feel instability (it "gives out"), have a fever, or can't fully bend/straighten it, as these suggest a serious injury like a ligament tear or infection needing prompt care; otherwise, if pain is mild and improves with rest, self-care might suffice, but consult a professional for persistent pain or disrupted daily life.
The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are: Chronic, widespread pain throughout the body or in multiple areas. Pain is often felt in the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks. People often describe it as aching, burning, or throbbing.
Heat therapy increases blood flow, which relaxes your muscle and reduces fibromyalgia pain and stiffness. You can use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm towel to apply heat to the affected areas. Alternatively, you can take a warm bath or shower to help relax the muscles and relieve pain.
Top Vitamins for Fibromyalgia Relief: A Guide to Managing...
Milnacipran (brand name: Joncia®) belongs to a class of medicines called serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). Other similar drugs from this group are used to treat depression and anxiety, but in Australia milnacipran is approved specifically to treat fibromyalgia.
Cyclobenzaprine and tizanidine are muscle relaxants that may be used to help manage symptoms of fibromyalgia. These medications can reduce muscle tension and improve sleep, addressing common challenges faced by those with the condition.
For those with this symptom, relaxing sleep masks, calming noise machines, and soothing pillow sprays are all lovely and thoughtful gifts. Sometimes though, the best gift – is simply a gift of your time. Often those with fibromyalgia could use a bit of extra help.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is currently considered to be a disorder of pain regulation. Chronic pain and tenderness typical of FMS are present is come patients with chronic infections. There is evidence for increased prevalence of FMS in patients infected with HIV and HCV. FMS may be triggered by Lyme disease.
Fibromyalgia is closely associated with irritable bowel syndrome and reduced salivary secretions leading to dry mouth.
Most people are able to walk without a walker or cane about six weeks after knee replacement surgery.
Several rheumatic diseases can mimic fibromyalgia. These include sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, polymyalgia rheumatica and lupus. They have symptoms of widespread pain along with joint involvement.
Doctors sometimes recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease deep muscle and joint pain caused by fibromyalgia. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are available without a prescription.