Last updated 27/12/2023 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

Fibromyalgia and Leg Cramps

Are you suffering from leg cramps? Research has shown that those with fibromyalgia have a higher incidence of leg cramps. In this article, we take a closer look at the connection between fibromyalgia and leg cramps.

Research links this to a type of fibromyalgia pain called hyperalgesia (1) We also know from earlier that the interpretation of pain is stronger in those affected by this chronic pain condition. A systematic review study indicated that it may be due to overactivity of the nervous system in this patient group (2).

Good and fast tips: At the very bottom of the article, you can watch a video with exercise exercises for leg pain. We also provide tips on self-measures (such as calf compression socks og plantar fasciitis compression socks) and super magnesium. The links open in a new window.

- At our interdisciplinary departments at Vondtklinikkene in Oslo (Lambert seats) and Viken (Eidsvoll Sound og Raw wood), our clinicians have a uniquely high professional competence in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation training of foot, leg and ankle ailments. Click on the links or here to read more about our departments.

In This Article You Will Learn More About:

• What are Leg Cramps?

• Hyperalgesia and Fibromyalgia

• The link between Fibromyalgia and Leg cramps

• Self-measures against leg cramps

• Exercises and Training against Leg Cramps (includes VIDEO)

What are Leg Cramps?

Leg cramps can occur during the day and at night. The most common is that it occurs at night after going to bed. Muscle cramps in the calf lead to a persistent, involuntary and painful contraction of the calf muscles. The cramp can affect the entire muscle group or only parts of the calf muscles. The episodes last from seconds to several minutes. When touching the muscle involved, you will be able to feel that it is both pressure sore and very tense.

Such seizures can have several different causes. Dehydration, lack of electrolytes (including magnesium), overactive calf muscles and hyperactive nerves (as in fibromyalgia) and nerve pinching in the back are all possible causes. Having a routine of stretching the calf muscles before going to bed can help reduce the incidence. Other measures such as compression socks can also be a useful measure to increase blood circulation in the area - and thus help prevent seizures (the link opens in a new window).

Hyperalgesia and Fibromyalgia

In the introduction to the article, we discussed that studies have revealed overactivity in the nervous system in those affected by fibromyalgia (1, 2). More specifically, this means that the peripheral nervous system sends out too many and too strong signals - which in turn leads to a higher resting potential (the proportion of activity in the nerves) and thus with contractions that end in convulsions. Due to the fact that it has also been seen that the center for pain interpretation in the brain does not have the same «pain filters», in those with fibromyalgia, the intensity of pain is also intensified.

- Leg cramps Due to error signals?

It is also believed that the overactive nervous system in those with fibromyalgia can lead to error signals in the muscles, which in turn can lead to involuntary contraction and cramping.

The connection between Leg cramps and Fibromyalgia

• Overactive Nervous System

• Slower Healing

• Increased Inflammatory Reactions in Soft Tissue

Those with fibromyalgia thus have an increase in muscle activity, as well as a 'hyperactive' peripheral nervous system. This leads to muscle spasms and muscle cramps. If we take a closer look at other conditions associated with fibromyalgia - such as irritable bowel syndrome - then we see that this is also a form of muscle spasm, but that in this case it is about smooth muscles. This is a type of muscle that differs from skeletal muscle, as we primarily find this in the intestinal organs of the body (such as the intestines). An overactivity in this type of muscle fiber will, like muscle in the legs, lead to involuntary contractions and irritation.

Self-measures against leg cramps

One with fibromyalgia needs increased blood circulation to maintain normal muscle function in the legs. This is partly because the high muscle activity places higher demands on access to electrolytes in the bloodstream - such as magnesium (read more about super-magnesium here ) and calcium. Several therefore report a reduction in leg cramps with a combination of calf compression socks and magnesium. Magnesium is found in spray form (which is applied directly to the calf muscles) or in tablet form (also in combination with calcium).

Magnesium can help your tense muscles calm down. The use of compression socks helps to keep the circulation up - and thus increases the repair pace in sore and tight muscles.

Simple self-measures you can do yourself to increase blood circulation are:

• Daily use of calf compression socks (effective against leg cramps)

• Daily use of Plantar Fascitt Compression Socks (if you are bothered by foot cramps)

• Daily exercises (see video below)

Treatment of Leg Cramps

There are several effective treatment measures for leg cramps. Among other things, muscle work and massage can have a relaxing effect - and can help to loosen up tense muscles. For more long-term and complicated problems, so can Shockwave Therapy be the right solution. This is a very modern form of treatment with a well-documented effect against leg cramps. The treatment is often combined with joint mobilization of the hips and back if a malfunction is detected in these as well - and one may suspect that there may be nerve irritation in the back which contributes to problems in the legs and feet.

Are you bothered by leg cramps?

We are happy to help you with assessment and treatment at one of our affiliated clinics.

Exercises and Training against Leg Cramps

Exercises that help strengthen the legs, ankles and feet can contribute to improved blood circulation in the lower legs. It can also help you gain more elastic and adaptable muscles. Custom home exercises can be prescribed by your physiotherapist, chiropractor or other relevant health specialists.

In the video below you can see an exercise program that we recommend for leg cramps. We know that the program may be called something else, but the fact that it helps prevent pain in the ankle is also seen as a bonus. Feel free to contact us in the comments section below this article or on our Youtube channel if you have questions that you feel we can help you with.

VIDEO: 5 Exercises against Pain in the Footsteps

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Sources and References:

1. Sluka et al, 2016. Neurobiology of fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain. Neuroscience Volume 338, 3 December 2016, Pages 114-129.

2. Bordoni et al, 2020. Muscle Cramps. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.