Arthritis Fibromyalgia – Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Their Commonalities
Although not a form of arthritis, fibromyalgia is a condition that often gets mistaken for it. Both of these conditions cause pain around joints. However, with fibromyalgia, the pain can also be in the muscles and connective tissues. Since arthritic joints can cause associated pain in the muscles and connective tissues, many doctors can make the mistake of calling arthritis fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia arthritis. Your doctor can make a determination of the situation if they take x-rays or do other diagnostic testing. Before you accept a diagnosis of arthritis, fibromyalgia needs to be on the radar.
While not a form of arthritis, fibromyalgia symptoms are often quite similar. Pain is the common denominator between the two disorders. Many times the patient reports pain in the joints and surrounding muscle structure for both conditions. However, there is a distinct difference with arthritis. Fibromyalgia usually does not involve any swelling of the joints. With arthritis, swelling is quite common. That is the easiest way to tell the differences between the two. If you receive a diagnosis of arthritis, fibromyalgia needs to be eliminated as a possible diagnosis. Discuss this with your doctor before you begin any treatments.
When thinking about treatments for arthritis, fibromyalgia treatments are similar. Pain is the most common symptom. In addition, pain management is the most common treatment obligation of both diseases. Pain is common to arthritis. Fibromyalgia also includes pain in its list. The pain just comes from different locations. You need to use pain killers with care when dealing with either condition. You can start with over the counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, when you start getting more pain, you may need prescription medications for your arthritis, fibromyalgia.
If you think you have arthritis, fibromyalgia may actually be the cause. Fibromyalgia shows up as pain in the joints and muscles. However, it is a general non-localized pain in most cases. For arthritis sufferers, the pain is usually quite apparent in the joint. Your doctor can let you know if you have arthritis. Fibromyalgia is harder to diagnose because of the generalized pain and fatigue that comes with it. If your doctor gives you a diagnosis of arthritis, fibromyalgia needs to be discussed also to make sure, you know what is going on in your own body. That will give you the information you need to make informed decisions and make choices in treatment options.
