Cramps

Cramps commonly occur in the calves but may also occur in the hands and feet. It frequently comes on in the evenings and may also cause painful disturbed sleep as it is not unusual for cramps to occur in the early hours of the morning. Cramps may also be associated with chronic muscle pain e.g. neck and shoulder pain.

Irritable legs

Irritable leg syndrome is a condition characterised by discomfort in the legs, occurring commonly in the evenings and usually when sitting down in a relaxed mode. It occurs more commonly in women, and both cramps and irritable leg syndrome may co-exist. All of these conditions respond well to acupuncture.

Fibrositis

is characterised by neck and upper back pain. It is known by many other names, the more common ones include fibromyalgia and cervico-brachial pain. Neck stiffness and restriction on neck movements often occurs. Pain may involve the chest wall causing chest tightness. Tenderness of the ribs and breast bone is often present. It may involve the upper arm and occasionally may extend to the hands and fingers. Neck and jaw pain frequently occur, the latter mimicking ear-ache. It may occasionally causing grinding of teeth. Fibrositis sometimes results in surgery to the joint of the jaw because of pain in the temperomandibular joint. Headache frequently occurs. This may be intermittent or constant, depending on the severity of symptoms. Visual blurring may also occur, especially in the evenings, and may be associated with transient dizziness.

 

Fibrositis is associated with limitation in day to day activities, including those involving use of the arms in the extended position. These include lifting and a whole range of house-hold chores (vacuuming, sweeping, hanging clothes on the line, washing-up, gardening, cleaning) as well as driving. Prolonged activity in any of these chores often results in exacerbation of symptoms.

The cause of fibrositis is not clear. An imbalance in electrolytes may be a contributory factor as both magnesium and calcium supplementation may help with reducing symptoms. Foods may have an irritant effect, often within hours of ingestion, and elimination of offending foods will help.

Acupuncture provides relief of symptoms in fibrositis and facilitates healing. It will however need to be integrated with a graded self-exercise program as well as with life-style modifications to achieve sustained results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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