Hello all. New member here. I was wondering if anyone else out there has suffered from severe foot and leg cramps with their Fibro. For me, it’s my most severe symptom. For years, even before I knew I had Fibro, I would primarily deal with really bad foot cramps while driving. A couple years ago, the cramps in my feet while I was behind the wheel got so frequent and severe that I no longer felt like I could safely drive my car, so I stopped entirely. As you can imagine, this has been a very challenging life shift. I often feel so alone in this, because I’ve never come across another person with Fribro who also has this severe a case of muscle cramping. If there’s anyone out there who’s had a similar experience, I’d love to connect and chat. This has affected my life so much, and I just want to know how to deal and live my life. Thanks so much.
Hello there 
. I get muscle spasms everywhere, but my back and hips. The spasms started about 2-3 years before my Fibromyalgia diagnosis. When they come I get so weak, I can barely stand. The pain is excruciating. The only thing that helps is getting in the shower and putting scalding hot water on the site. I’m crying, I’m limping, I’m praying, and trying to get to the bathroom. It’s not nice. Today I got a spasm in the back of my thigh because I lifted my foot to walk over a cord. I had side spasms for 3 days before. Once the spasm goes away, I have an intense fear that any movement will bring it again. Sometimes, I just sit and be still all day. It’s difficult, but the spasms are horrible. I used to think I wasn’t drinking enough water, but now I’m drinking 80 ounces a day, and occasionally get them. If I get busy and don’t drink that water, there’s hell to pay 
The only problem is I’m drinking too much water. My urine is clear. I’ve talked to my doctor about this and they haven’t really addressed the issue. I know that muscle relaxants don’t work. I was recently approved for Medicaid and I’m going to get to the bottom of this. Oh, in the past I tried bananas and energy drinks. Nothing seems to help. I hope I’ve helped you in some way.
Hi, I get severe leg pain while driving (not cramps though). I used to cry while driving to work because of the pain. I now figured out a way to position my legs and car seat so that I don’t use my leg muscles much while driving (I just rest my foot on the accelerator/brake rather than pushing). I also alternate both feet while driving. It took me a while but I found a comfortable position now with minimal effort from my legs.
I used to get crazy cramps while exercising though…while everyone else was doing yoga poses I was clutching at my feet and toes that were cramping 
Thanks so much for replying! I feel you. The first time my feet went into really severe muscle spasm a couple of years ago, it was after a really long drive. I did not know what to do. It just did not stop for an entire night and following day. My parents had to take me to see my doctor that day, and it was awful. I could hardly walk, and I couldn’t even stand to have my shoes on my feet. I remember my mom put her bedroom slippers on me just to get me to the doctor’s office. The doctor was little help. She just told me that people get cramps sometimes. The next time I got a spasm that severe in my feet, I went to see a podiatrist. She told me it could be dehydration and vitamin deficiency. So, I drank tons of water and took all the vitamins she recommended. But, nothing really changed. Cut to a lot more doctor visits and several years later, and I was finally diagnosed with Fibro. The problem is, doctors don’t really seem to know how to treat Fibro after they diagnose you, and that’s what brought me here. I’m just looking for community and maybe some info on how others with Fibro cases similar to mine live their lives. Anyway, I really hope things work out for you. Thanks again for taking the time to reply!
Thanks so much for replying! I’m glad that you’ve figured out a way to drive that works for you. I tried lots of different positions too, but nothing seemed to work for me. I just felt worse and worse while driving. Right before I stopped driving completely, I reached a point where I couldn’t drive a mile down the road without using cruise control. That’s how much I just couldn’t stand to have my foot on the pedals. It was like, as soon as I started driving, I’d feel like I was going to cramp up. I just don’t think driving is an option for me anymore. That’s one of the major things that’s brought me here. I just wanted to know if anyone else has had this same issue. Thanks again for taking the time to reply!
Have you checked the Complementary category? I have written what helps me on there. Go to the search box & type in dandelion leaf tea. Light, Love & Peace. Maggi
I haven’t heard of dandelion leaf tea, but I’m willing to try it! I will definitely look into it! Thanks so much!
Yes, Yes, Yes I’ve had the same experience and thoughts about driving. It’s weird but most often it’s my right foot. If it happens to both feet at the same time it hurts so bad I think I’ll die before the cramping stop. And noting I do help I have to wait until it stops. I have tried three different muscle relaxers but with all three I’ve only been able to take them at night. Muscles relaxers have reduced the cramping but even though I am prescribed two a day I can only take it at bedtime because of drowsiness and balance problems. So you are not along everyone with Fibro suffers one way or another.
Well, I’m glad you’ve found some relief with muscle relaxers, even though you experience some negative side effects with them. I haven’t tried a muscle relaxer myself. I’m hesitant to try prescription medications as treatment due to my negative experience with Cymbalta. I know that prescriptions help a lot of people, and that’s wonderful, but I don’t think it’s a solution for me. It seems no matter what medication I try, I always experience the most negative side effects possible! Anyway, thanks so much for your reply. Honestly, it already helps so much just to know that I’m not alone in what I’m feeling.
I tried Cymbalta and stopped after two week bad experience. Most medicine does have side effects. I do use Epsom Salt (I like the ones with essential oils) so side no effects and it’s just nice to soak in the tub and relax before bed. You stick with what works for you!! I’m 64 now and just can hold out to exercise and stretch as much and I use to do.
I’ve also used Epsom Salt for years! I think it does help a little with my muscle tightness.