This effect appears to be more pronounced in individuals with fibromyalgia. A study found that, when compared to those with RA or to healthy individuals, people with fibromyalgia had longer reaction times and made more errors during an attention test.
Both of these conditions can cause sleep disturbances and fatigue. However, sleep problems in people with fibromyalgia tend to be more draining. A preliminary study found that women with fibromyalgia reported greater daytime sleepiness and fatigue than women with RA.
However, based on a multiple sleep latency test MSLT , women with fibromyalgia actually had less objective daytime sleepiness compared to women with RA. Another study found that reduced sleep affected women with fibromyalgia more than women with RA. Women with fibromyalgia reported feeling more daytime sleepiness and needed a longer recovery time.
With RA, fatigue can also be a result of inflammation and anemia. Anemia, or the lack of red blood cells, affects more than 50 percent of people with RA. Feelings of depression and anxiety are common symptoms of both fibromyalgia and RA.
These feelings can affect your quality of life. This is supported by a more recent study that found that individuals experiencing chronic pain are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition , regardless of whether or not they had fibromyalgia. Still, addressing mental health concerns in RA and fibromyalgia is very important.
In fact, a study found that people with rheumatic conditions like RA and fibromyalgia are at an increased risk of self-harm compared to the general population. While RA and fibromyalgia can have many symptoms in common, each condition also has its own unique set of symptoms. With RA, symptoms will often flare up periodically. Common RA symptoms include:. Inflammation from RA can also affect other parts of your body.
About 40 percent of people with RA experience these types of symptoms, which can impact the:. The symptoms of fibromyalgia resemble the symptoms of many other conditions. But the pain in fibromyalgia is widespread and tends to occur on specific tender points.
The pain of fibromyalgia can worsen arthritis pain. Doctors use different techniques to diagnose RA and fibromyalgia. Your doctor will immediately initiate treatment if you have RA. This is because, if left untreated, RA symptoms can lead to long-term joint damage. Serious cases of RA can even cause damage to major organs, including your heart. These tests can sometimes come back negative for people who have RA.
Avoiding incorrect diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome. Rheumatology Network. Biundo, J. The Merck Manual: Consumer Version. RA with a side of fibromyalgia. Arthritis Foundation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fibromyalgia overview. Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. To rule out other causes of joint pain and stiffness, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis , doctors rely on a combination of tests:. Doctors may also remove a small sample of fluid from one of the affected joints.
If the test reveals uric acid crystals, the diagnosis may be gout rather than psoriatic arthritis. Early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is vital in order to get treatment that can prevent or slow joint damage.
Unlike psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia is not thought to be an autoimmune or inflammatory disease, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Research suggests that the nervous system is involved, particularly the brain and spinal cord. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million adults in the United States, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , with women twice as likely to have the condition as men.
Certain symptoms of fibromyalgia may distinguish the condition from psoriatic arthritis:. It is mostly a diagnosis of exclusion, with doctors performing lab tests or X-rays to rule out other problems, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
Hold and cold therapies. Many find that they can ease symptoms by taking long, warm baths and using heating pads and ice packs.
Over-the-counter medications. Relaxation and mindfulness. These practices often help to improve chronic pain and inflammation. Establish an emotional support system. People with chronic pain often experience depression and anxiety. A network of family or friends who understand the condition can help to provide support. Stay positive. People with chronic conditions who try to keep a positive attitude are better able to manage their symptoms in the long term.
Many natural and alternative therapies have been shown to improve symptoms of RA and fibromyalgia. These methods include:. Fibromyalgia and RA cause similar symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, fatigue , and decreased mobility. A doctor or specialist will differentiate between them after taking a detailed history, ordering tests and scans, and performing a targeted physical examination.
Some people may have both conditions. Fibromyalgia and RA cause chronic pain that can be very difficult to live with. Some people with fibromyalgia seem to benefit from prescription medications. People with RA should seek medical treatment as soon as possible, to slow the progression of the disease and prevent joint damage. Severe fibromyalgia and RA can become disabling. Many people report a lower quality of life, especially during flare-ups of either condition.
However, making changes to lifestyle, using over-the-counter medications, and trying alternative therapies can often reduce symptoms, making both conditions more manageable. Speak with a doctor if any symptom, including pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness, has lasted longer than 3 months or has occurred without an obvious cause.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatic condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body, including so-called tender points where it is worst…. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic pain.
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