Treatment for Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia

Osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia can be easily confused for each other, especially in old people. Osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia are two chronic health conditions that share a few common symptoms and they may affect a person at the same time. The common characteristics of both are severe pain and stiffness in joints as well as the surrounding tissues. However, there are significant differences in many other areas.

The Differences between Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia

Osteoarthritis is a common rheumatic disease that affects a person's joints, bones, and muscles. Osteoarthritis is a result of a condition where the cartilage covering the surface of the bones in a joint, worn off. The subsequent friction from rubbing of the bone surface causing pain and a sense of stiffness in the joint. Fibromyalgia is altogether another disease, which is still not well understood. It comprises of a number of seemingly unrelated symptoms, the causes of which, are still uncertain. The main characteristics of fibromyalgia are acute pain, stiffness and general fatigue. The main difference between osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia is that the pain in fibromyalgia is felt throughout the body while that for osteoarthritis is confined to the particular joints where the cartilage are worn off.

The relief of the symptomatic pain is the same for both conditions. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents are used to relieve the pain for both osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents are suitable for this purpose. In the case of fibromyalgia, a combination of drugs may be prescribed for the relief of the other symptoms like depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

Nutrition Therapy for Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia

To avoid the many side effects associated with prescription drugs, there are searches for natural alternatives for patients of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. An increasingly popular method for managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia is by taking healthy food items and restricting agents that may aggravate the problem. Hence, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains are recommended whereas foods containing alcohol, caffeine, and fats are discouraged. Health supplements or foods containing Omega-3 oils are also recommended for treating the inflammation.

Exercise and Weight Control

Regular exercise is also recommend as it has been found to improve the overall health of patients of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Light to moderate exercise is recommend to avoid further damage to the muscles or joints. In addition to muscular strength build up and boosting natural immunity, exercise provides an effective mean of weight control, which is most helpful in reducing the stress on the joints. Some of the recommended exercises include yoga, swimming, and simple strength-building practices. Meditation is especially good for patients of fibromyalgia since meditation reduces stress and improves the quality of sleep.

Related articles

Coping With Fibromyalgia And Stress

Treatment For Fibromyalgia Tender Points

How Painfully Is Fibromyalgia Pain?

Prednisone and Fibromyalgia Treatment

What Are Fibromyalgia Trigger Points?

Effective Treatment of Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Delay In Treatment Can Worsen the Condition

The Benefits of Reflexology for Fibromyalgia Patients

Treatment Using Fibromyalgia Herbs

The Connection between Fibromyalgia and Weight Gain

Helpful Tips for Coping with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Some Dos And Don'ts Regarding A Proper Fibromyalgia Diet

Advance Fibromyalgia Research

Going for Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

The Fibromyalgia and Vitamin D Deficiency Connection

Is There a Cure for the Fibromyalgia Syndrome?