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Freedom From FibromyalgiaYour Complete Guide To Pain Relief |
Fibromyalgia and Arthritis
Chronic pain poses numerous challenges for those who suffer from it. Many with arthritis and fibromyalgia pain must learn how to make lifestyle adjustments and deal with the flare-ups that often push back plans and cause mood swings. Fibromyalgia, considered one of 100 forms of arthritis, is often misdiagnosed because it is similar to so many illnesses.
The most common form of arthritis, often mistaken for fibromyalgia, is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is predominately found in women, affects the joints and the muscles. With rheumatoid arthritis, like fibromyalgia pain, patients find even simple tasks, such as going for a stroll, difficult. As the illness, for which there is no cure, progresses, the patient’s joints become deformed.
While rheumatoid arthritis, unlike fibromyalgia pain, consists of an inflammation of the joints, the exact cause of this often-debilitating illness is a much-debated subject. Some believe that the onset of rheumatoid arthritis is a direct result of an infection or some type of virus while others in the medical community believe rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a hormone.
There are some segments of the population that are more at risk of rheumatoid arthritis, including women, long-time smokers, those who are getting older (however, cases in those in their 80s is much less), and having inherited certain genes. Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis, much like fibromyalgia pain, cannot be avoided, although treatment can provide a relief of symptoms.
Arthritis and fibromyalgia’s pain are similar as are the symptoms of both illnesses. The predominant symptoms of those with rheumatoid arthritis include: malaise, fatigue, low fever, deformity, swelling and pain in the joints, muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and skin ulcers. If you are suffering from one or several of these symptoms, talk with your doctor.
The pain of rheumatoid arthritis, like fibromyalgia pain, can be severe, and in the beginning generally targets wrist, hand, feet, and knee joints. Progression of rheumatoid arthritis means the swelling and pain moves to other joints, on both sides of the body, including the neck, jaw, hips, shoulders, and elbows.
Rheumatoid arthritis, unlike fibromyalgia pain, physically shows itself in tiny lumps under the skin. The lumps, which can grow as large as the size of a walnut, generally form in the body’s pressure points. While you can feel the lumps under your skin when you touch them, you shouldn’t feel any pain from them.
To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will run several tests, including blood tests. Rheumatoid arthritis, as opposed to fibromyalgia pain, is much easier to diagnose. Your doctor will likely initiate a blood test called erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which assesses whether there’s inflammation within your body. If your ESR levels are high, you’ll likely be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
Your doctor will also likely want to take X-rays to confirm your diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may want to take X-rays from time-to-time to determine how far the disease has progressed since diagnosis. While the disease can progress and cause extreme pain with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia pain does not deform the joints.
Unfortunately, the progression of rheumatoid arthritis can result in even more pain, making what were once simple tasks, like opening the refrigerator, much more difficult. Rheumatoid arthritis, like fibromyalgia pain, can be put under control if you are dedicated to making the necessary changes in your life.
You must be proactive to combat your rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia pain. You want to ensure you exercise regularly daily; talk with your doctor to determine what type of exercise is best for you. You also want to ensure you stay as close to your ideal weight as possible, eat a healthy diet, and learn to relax.
Of course, to alleviate some of your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, much like fibromyalgia pain, you’ll likely have to take regular medication such as ibuprofen, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antidepressants. In some extreme cases, surgery is necessary with rheumatoid arthritis.
Like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia pain can often go into remission with symptoms lessening or dissipating altogether. Those with chronic pain, however, must learn to deal with flare-ups of symptoms from time-to-time. Even if you’re on an antidepressant to help your symptoms, including depression, you may want to consider joining a support group. Support groups offer you the opportunity to vent and to share with others who understand what you’re going through.
© Health Research Today
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