Major differences between fibromyalgia and arthritis
Fibromyalgia and Arthritis are two different conditions but still, they are mistakenly diagnosed for each other. While fibromyalgia often has symptoms similar to arthritis, it is not exactly arthritis because it is not an autoimmune disease and it does not cause tissue inflammation nor does it damage joints or muscles. Here we have tried to list some differences between the two conditions.
- Joint destruction
Fibromyalgia does not typically lead to destruction or degeneration of joints while one of the main symptoms of arthritis is degeneration of joints. - Inflammation of joints
Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation of joints while arthritis might lead to inflammation of joints.
In the case of arthritis, some blood tests can identify the condition but there is no specific blood test for fibromyalgia to date.
Usually, an x-ray can help in the diagnosis of arthritis because degeneration of joints can be seen but Fibromyalgia can not be diagnosed with an x ray.
Although patients with both arthritis and fibromyalgia experience fatigue, in most of the case, the fatigue caused by Fibromyalgia is far more severe.
Mostly muscle pain, which can be chronic or burning, is observed in Fibromyalgia while joint pain is seen in arthritis.
Depression and bad mood are more common in Fibromyalgia in comparison to arthritis.
Severe headaches and migraines are few prolific symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis treatments are classed under inflammatory arthritis and are treated differently. Although fibromyalgia can increase the painful sensations of the body by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals, it is not considered an autoimmune disease. Some spices such as turmeric for arthritis along with garlic, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne are said to be helpful in relieving pain caused by arthritis.
