Foot Care Specialist, Podiatrist reviews new info about fibromyalgia

 This is an article about  Fibromyalgia  written by  Dr. Burton S. Schuler,  foot care specialist , podiatrist , foot doctor of Panama City Florida reviewing new published information about fibromyalgia 

Just last year the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) proposed new, easier to apply diagnostic criteria for FMS that take into account common symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems, as well as pain” (http://updates.pain-topics.org/2011/04/overcoming-barriers-to-managing.html).  Since diagnostic criteria are constantly in flux, patients, who continue to experience pain, are left to their own devices in many circumstances.  Thus, they may be more likely to turn to medical remedies that are “off the beaten path,” according to the article. 

 In a recent article, “Overcoming Barriers to Managing Fibromyalgia” the author summarizes some of the challenges that newly diagnosed people experience (http://updates.pain-topics.org/2011/04/overcoming-barriers-to-managing.html).  As it turns out, one of the biggest let downs for patients seeking relief from Fibromyalgia, a condition that has them experiencing chronic pain throughout their bodies, is that modern medicine does not provide them with quick relief.  The condition is definitely a medical conundrum, leaving some health practitioners to see it more as a mental or behavioral issue that a physical issue as such.  

One unconventional medical issue to consider if you have Fibromyalgia is whether or not you have a short first metatarsal bone: also known as “Morton’s Toe.”  According to Panama City, Florida podiatrist, Dr. Burton S. Schuler http://www.footcare4u.com/category/about-dr-schuler/  , who has treated patient for decades in his Northern Florida podiatry practice, there is a possible link between Morton’s Toe and Fibromyalgia  since improper foot alignment can be a major medical issue—leading to many long term health problems.  While the cause of Fibromyalgia is not known—and some medical experts believe the diagnosis is simply a cluster of symptoms—Schuler has successfully treated Fibromyalgia sufferers with a short metatarsal bone with a simple toe pad under the big toe .  But he warns the pad is not a miracle pain cure and should be used cautiously and with medical oversight.

 The toe pad works to correct the foot’s overpronation, as it makes contact with the ground  According to Schuler, pronation is one of the most important terms related to how the foot operates: “Pronation allows the shock of our body weight to be absorbed when the foot meets the ground. Pronation also makes it possible for the foot to adapt to all of the different surfaces we walk on.”

 Consideration that overpronation of your feet, caused by a short first metatarsal bone, can be linked to muscle pain elsewhere in your body may be good news for those who suffer from the stigma related to fibromyalgia diagnosis.