Arthritis is a result of cartilage breakdown causing inflammation, pain and stiffness in the joints. Causes include broken bones, infections and autoimmune diseases. The Arthritis Foundation reports arthritis is second to heart disease as a cause of work disability in the United States. Fibromyalgia doesn't have the autoimmune component as does arthritis. Possible causes of fibromyalgia include a physical or emotional trauma, abnormal pain response, sleep disturbances and an infection, states MedlinePlus.
Disease Origin and Risks
Arthritis includes over 100 diseases and conditions that affect joints, surrounding tissue and organs of the body. The most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, with osteoarthritis affecting nearly 21 million Americans, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Women are affected by arthritis more frequently than men.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder of unknown origin that affects the soft tissue of the body, causing chronic pain. Fibromyalgia affects an estimated five million Americans older than 18, with women accounting for 80 to 90 percent of those diagnosed, reports the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Symptoms and Diagnostics
Symptoms used for diagnosing arthritis include joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness and warmth around a joint. A physical examination evaluates any collection of fluid around a joint or any deformity of a joint. Since arthritis takes so many different forms, diagnostic testing includes blood tests and joint X-rays to determine the correct diagnosis.
The major symptom leading to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is chronic, widespread, soft tissue pain in the body. Eighteen specifically defined tender points are used to diagnose fibromyalgia. Even though some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to arthritis, symptoms such as joint deformity and swelling are not attributed to fibromyalgia alone, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Treatment
Treatment options for arthritis vary according to the type of arthritic condition, severity of the disease and the joints affected. Some types of arthritis are incurable, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Treatment plans focus on pain reduction and slowing the process of the disease. Exercises for strengthening, medications to block the inflammation process and surgery for severely deformed joints are part of the treatment for arthritis conditions.
Since no cure or specific treatment for fibromyalgia exists, symptom relief is the goal. Medications such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants and non-narcotic pain relievers may be prescribed, according to Drugs.com. Other treatment suggestions include exercise, plenty of sleep and cognitive behavioral therapy.
