differences between fibromyalgia and arthritis

Understanding the similarities and differences between fibromyalgia and arthritis

differences between fibromyalgia and arthritis

Arthritis and fibromyalgia are two different conditions experienced by people. Though there are some relations between both the conditions, they are not the same and the outcome of each condition is not the same.

There are also some differences that can be seen in the symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia. Also there is no proper treatment available for fibromyalgia.

Researches and studies are going on to understand about the condition of the individuals and provide medication based on what they identify.

Apart from several medications, drugs and supplements available for suppressing the symptoms of fibromyalgia, there are also natural methods available proved to be effective on some of the individuals to treat arthritis and fibromyalgia conditions.

People can consult their doctors and try out these natural methods to see if that can be very helpful in providing relief from the symptoms. Some of the common remedies suggested for fibromyalgia and arthritis are:

  • Meditation
  • Yogasana
  • Regional massage and whole body massage
  • Consumption of cannabis and natural supplements
  • Regular exercise to increase mobility
  • Acupuncture treatment

Symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia

Some of the symptoms in fibromyalgia can also be a symptom for arthritis. But there is a high possibility that it need not be the same.

There can be several differences in the symptoms and the way the individuals experience the differences between fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Though there are several differences that can be mentioned, some of the differences are key to understand it better and go for treatment. Some differences are as follows:

Difference in inflammation

Joint inflammation is commonly seen in both fibromyalgia and Arthritis. However there is a major difference in the inflammation. In arthritis, inflammation in the joints is considered to be one of the major symptoms.

In most of the common situation of fibromyalgia, the affected individuals will feel pain and cramps in the joint region and muscle regions in the body. There will not be any clear inflammation as such.

Considering these facts we can say that fibromyalgia will not affect the joints to a greater extent compared to that of arthritis condition.

There is also no threat from fibromyalgia to damage the soft tissues and muscles in the body. In the case of arthritis, joint pain is gradually improved to inflammation in the joint region.

Difference in progression of disease

Another major difference seen in the symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia is the progression of the disease. Unlike arthritis, fibromyalgia is not a condition that progress over time.

Fibromyalgia condition can be called as episodic and it need not be progressive. The symptoms will not grow over time except for rare cases. Arthritis symptoms emerge as flares and then gradually improve to more serious condition.

Common symptoms in fibromyalgia and arthritis

There are a few common symptoms that can be seen in both fibromyalgia patients and individuals who have arthritis.

Based on the common symptoms that is experienced, an individual can go for taking appropriate medication. Some of the common problems are as follows:

Muscle spasms and muscle pain

This is something that is commonly seen in fibromyalgia individuals and arthritis patients. The symptoms start with minor pain or spasm in the muscle region and it gradually increases creating other complications in the individuals.

People who have muscle spasms and muscle pain will have problems in mobility. They will find stiffness in the muscle region. If you have a pain in the body that is unexplainable to others, the condition can be fibromyalgia.

This pain will prevent you from doing your day to day activities with proper focus. There is also a possibility that it can impair your muscle joints and create further pain if you leave it unattended. Some of these unexplained pain is also seen in arthritis leading to chronic pain condition.

Disturbed sleep and sleeplessness

With pain in the body, people will find it very difficult to get a good sleep. There are several symptoms of sleep disturbances seen in fibromyalgia patients as an outcome of pain in their body.

Compared to other individuals people who have fibromyalgia can easily get tired. Due to the pain the leg region the fibromyalgia individuals and arthritis individuals also exhibit restless legs syndrome during their sleep.

This can also result in drowsiness during the day time. People also get sleep when they travel during the day time. Fibromyalgia individuals feel like taking rest all the time due to lack of proper sleep during night time.

Joint pain and stiffness

Joint pain is common for both arthritis condition as well as fibromyalgia. People who have fibromyalgia experience muscle spasms along with joint pain.

Due to joint pain stiffness is also experienced in the muscle and joint region. Morning stiffness is commonly seen in both arthritis and fibromyalgia.

In the case of arthritis along with stiffness in the joint region, there is also an inflammation seen in the joints that can lead to further complications.

Stress and anxiety

Stress, depression and anxiety is seen in individuals who have problems with arthritis and fibromyalgia. These symptoms are quite common for many diseases.

Mind is also very important and plays a major role in keeping the body fit. As this is seen to be a common symptom among arthritis and fibromyalgia, doctors suggest natural remedies such as Yogasana and medication to treat mind related problems.

These treatments have been proved to be effective on various individuals. Though this may not be very comfortable in curing the condition completely, this will be very helpful in providing a good relief for certain period of time.

With these relief they will be able to continue with their day to day activates without any disturbances.

When it comes to diagnosing fibromyalgia, it becomes a challenge for doctors to understand the exact symptom that an individual is facing.

Usually for all other diseases, a blood test or X-Ray can provide enough information about the condition. But in the case of fibromyalgia these diagnosis procedures may not be very helpful.

The doctors will have to rely on what the individual is experiences and provide medication and treatment based on that.

Ruling out the common conditions experienced by arthritis individuals can be helpful in focusing more in understanding the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

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