Some people confuse arthritis and fibromyalgia. While they may have similar symptoms such as pain, they are two separate ailments. Arthritis and fibromyalgia each cause distinct symptoms and require different treatments. Treatments run the gamut from alternative to prescription medications.
Osteoarthritis Pain
Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage between the bones. The person may notice pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected areas. Osteoarthritis pain seems to occur after middle age. Fatigue can worsen the pain. Nonmedical means can be used to treat osteoarthritis. Excess weight affects cartilage, so patients are encouraged to lose weight. Heat sometimes proves helpful. Doing light aerobic exercises can improve mobility, thus reducing stiffness. Medication is sometimes used. The first thing tried is acetaminophen, with Tylenol being the most well-known brand. It is usually tried before other medicines. If this does not prove effective, the doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. Doctors use prescription pain medication as a last resort.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints and often results in visual deformities. The joints swell, redden and become difficult to move. Sometimes there are nodules that result from the rheumatoid arthritis called rheumatoid nodules. In addition, the patient sometimes has a low grade fever. Rheumatoid arthritis responds well to mild joint exercises. The first medication tried is aspirin. In addition, the inflammation of joint pain is reduced by using steroids. The next line of defense in treating rheumatoid arthritis is to use disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs, such as Plaquenil. Doctors often prescribe pain medications to control discomfort. Sometimes the damage to joints is severe enough to merit surgery to replace destroyed joints and to decrease the pain.
Fibromyalgia
FIbromyalgia is pain experienced in the soft tissues or tendons and muscles. There are no joint deformities with fibromyalgia. There are 18 sets of tender points that doctors test for when diagnosing fibromyalgia. With fibromyalgia, both sides of the body experience pain. The syndrome also includes other complaints such as extreme fatigue and headaches. Treatment usually focuses on alternative methods. Some patients find relief from massage and acupuncture. Some doctors use guaifenesin, a type of cough syrup, as a treatment for fibromyalgia. Some doctors prescribe Elavil and other antidepressants to treat the sleep disorders and pain associated with fibromyalgia. Until recently, there was no medically approved prescription for fibromyalgia, but doctors now often prescribe Lyrica to treat the pain of fibromyalgia.
Combination of Fibromyalgia and Arthritis
Sometimes fibromyalgia and arthritis occur at the same time. Doctors will examine patients to decide on the best treatment plan for these patients. These patients are often difficult to treat as symptoms sometimes overlap.
Conclusion
There are many resources to use when looking for information on your arthritis or fibromyalgia pain pain. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor for further information.
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