Fibromyalgia Symptoms: 10 Ways Chronic Pain Attacks

Unexplained Swelling

Swollen hands and feet are a common sight for people living with fibromyalgia. Doctors will sometimes mistake this swelling as a sign of arthritis. As with many symptoms associated with FM, the cause of swelling remains in the dark. Additionally, sometimes fibromyalgia sufferers will feel phantom swelling; meaning that while a joint feels swollen and inflamed, it actually is not.

One theory put forward is that fibromyalgia causes swelling by forcing the immune system into overdrive. Causes for phantom swelling are hard to pinpoint but it could be sensitivity to sensations brought on by tender points. Treatment for swelling involves adopting a low sodium diet. Sodium causes water retention, leading to swelling. In addition, icing and elevating the swollen joint area helps reduce inflammation. Vitamin B-6 helps moderate fluid levels in the body and can help limit swelling.