Fibromyalgia Knots

Relief is available for fibromyalgia knots.

Fibromyalgia knots are hard, ropelike knots that develop in the muscles in fibromyalgia patients. They can occur in just the arms, just the thighs, or all over the body. Although treatment options are available for fibromyalgia knots, there is no cure for fibromyalgia, and the condition can be painful, chronic and long-lasting. Relief, however, is available.

Background

Fibromyalgia occurs in 3 to 5 percent of the population. Most patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women, but the syndrome also occurs in men and children. Nearly 25 percent of people with fibromyalgia are work-disabled. Overall pain in all the muscles of the body is the biggest and most common symptom, and fibromyalgia knots that develop in the muscles further aggravate the condition. Other symptoms include fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, memory loss, concentration problems and increased sensitivity to noise, light, odors, foods and medications.

Identification

Fibromyalgia knots, sometimes called fibro-knots, can be felt as hard lumps in the muscle. They are usually painful, and when pressure is exerted on the knot, pain can radiate to the surrounding muscles. Most patients get them in their arms, legs and knees, although they can appear anywhere. They also can appear in groups, or just as a single knot.

Causes

Fibromyalgia knots are sometimes the result of a buildup of lactic acid in the muscle. Another cause can be a dysfunctional healing response found in fibromyalgia patients: the fibroblast, the major cell of the intramuscular connective tissue, secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing painful inflammation. The Oregon Health and Science University found dysfunction of the intramuscular connective tissue in fibromyalgia. This fascia inflammation leads to overall sensitization, or pain.

Prevention

While there has been no proven cure, several steps can prevent the formation of fibromyalgia knots. Drinking plenty of water flushes out toxins that aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms. A fiber supplement that is not habit forming can help flush out toxic internal matter, too. Gentle exercise such as yoga help keep the lymph system moving. This prevents overall pain, which in turn helps prevent the dysfunctional immune response.

Solutions

Gentle massage and heat can help soothe and release the fibromyalgia knots. Massotherapy also releases the knots. Muscle relaxers such as Soma and Zanaflex can sometimes help. Lyrica is a pain medication developed specifically for fibromyalgia that can help alleviate the discomfort, although it can't fix the knots. Serratiopeptidase, an over-the-counter remedy, is an enzyme that digests the proteins causing pain and inflammation. It has been effective in treating fibromyalgia patients who are sensitive to medication.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia Network: Symptoms
• Discovery Health: Identifying Fibromyalgia

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Your Health Detective: Fibromyalgia--Understanding "Fibro-Knots"
• Myalgia: Fibromyalgia Information Foundation