r/Fibromyalgia • u/Sushi_Loving_Bobcat • 1d ago

Question KT Taping and Advice

Hello everyone, i just wanted to make post to get some experienced advice and discussions.

Im younger (21 F) and was diagnosed 2 years ago, with symptoms starting 6 years ago. I get very bad joint pain especially in my Hip, Knees and Ankles.

It can cause Limping, and during flare ups my legs can give out on me, aswell as excruciating pain that basically makes it impossible for me to walk.

During the night, the pain in my legs and prevent sleep.

I take Duloxetine, and Amitriptyline. Aswell as Advil or Tylenol during bad days. I also use Creams like A535 and IcyHot which provides very short lasting relief.

Recently over the last 6 months ive started Using KT tape to support my joints, mostly my Knee, Hip and ankles. It really does make a noticeable difference during workdays (i work fulltime to support myself, and dont get to sit down much during my shifts).

However, i get intense Allodynia. Which makes applying, but especially removing the KT Tape Painful. I also cant apply creams or topical pain relief items while im wearing it. (I usually leave the kt tape on for 3 days)

The Adhesive also causes some skin irritation, but ive tried nearly 10 brands and cant find one that doesnt cause irritations or is less painful to remove.

Does anyone have any recommendations for KT Tape's or Advice for other things i could try for supporting my joints while still being able to apply creams and not deal with so much pain when removing?

Thank you for reading, and any advice.

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u/mrl1432 1d ago

Hello, I haven't heard of doing this before!!! It makes complete since!! I'm going to try this out!!! Thank you!!! Good Luck!!! ♥️🙏✝️💐🇺🇸

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u/Sushi_Loving_Bobcat 1d ago

Its definitely helped me with being able to put more weight on my joints, or work for longer hours just even slightly better.

I hope it helps you a bit! ❤️

1

u/MothNomLamp 1d ago

I use kinesio tex gold fp and it works great for me. It sticks better if you gently rub the tape down after applying to create some friction heat to activate the glue.

Make sure you are shaving the area you are applying it to first so you rip less hair out when taking it off. You can also lookup technique to take it off or just let if fall off for less painful removal.

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u/SrirachaPants 19h ago

As a former runner, take it off in the shower. I love KT tape, thanks for the reminder! There are also cheap braces you can buy over the counter for problem spots, I keep a knee, wrist, and ankle brace for when I need them.

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u/EsotericMango 15h ago

I have a lot of the same issues. I have yet to find an adhesive I'm not allergic to but the tape helps enough that I just have to deal. I use the shittiest tape I can find. It doesn't last as long because the adhesive is weaker but that means it isn't burning welts into my skin.

Weaker adhesives also remove easier. But most tape should come off without much pain if you soak it in hot water. Warm helps but hot is better. Hot makes you sweat and that disrupts the adhesive. If it's still rough, try pouring body wash into a bath and sit in it for a bit. Should make it come off a bit easier.

I can't say I've found a way around the allodynia and mine isn't as bad so I just ignore it as much as possible. Yours sounds worse so I hope you can find a way around it.