What is fibromyalgia, and how do you know if you have it? Fibromyalgia is an arthritis related disease that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. The disease has become well known for its mystery and the difficulty associated with diagnosis. Why is fibromyalgia so very difficult to diagnose? Much of the confusion associated with this condition is because so many of its symptoms resemble other forms of arthritis. Diagnosis usually consists of a long period of ruling out different conditions until fibromyalgia remains a viable diagnosis. Many patients do not receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia until four or five years after their first physician visit.

Clearly, fibromyalgia can take quite a physical and emotional toll on patients. Fortunately, the condition is becoming better known. Health professionals have become better educated about the condition, and are more adept at making an accurate diagnosis. While once this arthritis condition was relatively unknown and difficult to diagnose, it has now become famous precisely for its elusive nature. If you suspect you may have fibromyalgia, here is a list of the most common symptoms. Discussing your symptoms with your doctor is the first step toward a positive diagnosis.

Most fibromyalgia patients describe pain as their primary symptom. Unlike other forms of arthritis, the pain associated with fibromyalgia is not centered on a specific joint or muscle. Patients describe a feeling of all-over, widespread pain. Many patients described the pain as throbbing, sharp, deep, and widespread. Although the pain is felt throughout the body, many fibromyalgia patients do report 'tender spots' where pain is felt more sharply if the area is pressed.

Doctors have narrowed down the number of tender points to 18 specific locations. In order to receive a positive diagnosis, doctor and patient usually must identify at least 11 tender spots. In some cases, the patient may have less than 11 identifiable tender spots and still be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Along with the feeling of widespread pain, the other major symptom of fibromyalgia is fatigue. Patients describe it as crippling, overwhelming sense of fatigue. Even patients who receive eight or more hours of sleep at night, they may still experience severe fatigue throughout the day.

There are other symptoms that may be present. Along with pain and fatigue, the typical fibromyalgia patient may also experience stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning. Most fibromyalgia suffers report difficulty getting enough sleep. Researchers have found that most fibromyalgia patients have low serotonin levels, which may explain their ability to sleep. Low serotonin levels may also be related to the depression and anxiety experienced by many fibromyalgia patients. Most fibromyalgia sufferers also report experiencing frequent headaches and migraines. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia may include tingling in the hands, legs, arms, and feet, and swelling of the extremities. Some fibromyalgia sufferers also report symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Unfortunately, the difficulty of diagnosis can be compounded by the fact that fibromyalgia often appears in conjunction with other forms of arthritis. There are over 100 forms of arthritis, and any one of these can appear with symptoms of fibromyalgia. Most commonly, doctors report seeing patients who suffer from both rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

While gout is a medical condition that is quite prevalent in modern day society, few realize that it is actually a form of arthritis. Gout is a disease that is trademarked by a high level of pain that affects one joint. More often than not, gout affects the big toe. Approximately 75% of all gout cases occur in the big toe, and intense pain, swelling, stiffness, and a warm feeling are present when gout occurs. The exact cause of gout is unknown, but most scientists agree that the root of the problem lies in the body's purine metabolism.

Purine is a substance that is found within the body. When metabolized, purine becomes uric acid, and a heightened level of uric acid production in the body is commonly found in those with a gout condition. Another factor that may play into developing gout is a lack of proper excretion of uric acid in the body. The actual problem caused by a gout condition is due to a crystallization of the uric acid in the body, which accounts for the swelling and intense pain experienced by those with the disease.

There is much controversy when it comes to the development of gout. Many believe that gout is caused by years of alcohol consumption coupled with a lack of proper diet and exercise. Those with a diet that lacks purine-neutralizing substances such as cherries, strawberries, and celery may also be more at risk for gout development. Foods that are high in purine should be avoided; sardines, anchovies, scallops, alcohol, and diet soda all have high levels of purine and should be avoided if you wish to decrease your risk of developing gout.

When the agonizing pain of gout strikes, few solutions are available. The pain is often so intense that simple sensations such as placing a blanket over the feet can cause terrible suffering. Warm baths may help to increase circulation in the affected area, which can help to aid swelling and may lead to a decreased amount of crystallization of the uric acid causing the disease. Using an ice-pack to help decrease the pain and swelling of gout is a common misconception. Uric acid crystallization is aided by low temperatures, and using cold packs will only increase the problem.

When discussing a problem with gout with your doctor, there are a number of solutions that they may employ to help to aid your suffering. Common recommendations include a drug named indomethacin as well as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. NSAIDs are used to decrease inflammation in the affected area, as well as providing an amount of relief from the pain caused by gout. Gout attacks come and go, and they may flare up without warning. Doctors also may recommend the usage of a drug known as allopurinol, which helps to reduce the body's production of uric acid, limiting the amount of crystallization that may occur. If you think that you may have gout, it's important to talk to your doctor to discuss possible methods of treating the problem.

When you think of arthritis, you probably think of stiff joints and swollen muscles. Maybe you picture an elderly person with pained wrists or knees who must use an assistive device simply to walk through the house. But it needn't be this way. Just because you've been diagnosed with arthritis doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to feelings of flexibility and body movement. Maybe you think that you can no longer move the way you used to. The opposite is true: arthritis patients must seek out movement more than they did before their diagnosis. Movement is important to retain flexibility, improve posture, and build strength. So get moving: try one of these bodywork techniques to keep at your best.

Yoga: This ancient Indian art means "union." This refers to the goal of bringing together body and spirit in the road to good health and well being. Yoga is an effective yet gentle enough bodywork exercise that can keep your body flexible while not overexerting your joints and muscles. Beside the physical benefits (of which there are many), yoga can provide relaxation and anxiety-reducing effects that can linger long after a session on the mat. Try yoga when your feeling stressed, tired, or stiff.

Massage: While technically not thought of as a bodywork exercise, massage can be the saving grace for many arthritis sufferers. A professional massage can go a long way toward relieving your tight, contracted muscles. If you don't receive massages on a regular basis, ask friends or family members for recommendations. Many arthritis patients experience substantial relief as the massage therapist gently massages and loosens your once tired and stiff joints. If you don't know anyone who can give you a good personal recommendation, speak to your doctor or visit your local YMCA center.

Feldenkrais: This is a combination of exercise and massage that can help arthritis patients simultaneously loosen and exercise their joints and muscles. Your Feldenkrais therapist will gently massage your body while guiding your body toward small, simple movements that are aimed at increasing flexibility. Feldenkrais can help your body "remember" old movements that your body is no longer able to do, or which you have been doing incorrectly over the years. Movement is gentle and unforced. You should feel looser, more flexible, and less stressed after a session of Feldenkrais massage. Your therapist can also teach you exercises that you can do at home when you are feeling stiff and pained.

Chiropractor: A visit to the chiropractor can often be beneficial to arthritis patients, particularly if you are affected in the spine or back muscles. Many arthritis sufferers receive spinal adjustments that can help relieve back, neck, and overall muscle pain and pressure. Speak to your doctor before you visit a chiropractor. Some patients may not be good candidate for chiropractic therapy because their joints may be too fragile. If your doctor agrees that you may receive some benefit from it, ask for a recommendation. Try to find a chiropractor that has experience working with arthritis patients, and who is gentle enough that you can visit them on a regular basis.

Since there are many different types of the disease we know commonly as arthritis, there are a limitless number of drugs that can help to aid the pain and inflammation associated with the disease. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the basic types of medications that are available to help treat arthritis so that you can be more properly informed about the possible solutions to your arthritic problem.

One of the most commonly prescribed types of drugs for arthritis are known as NSAIDS. NSAIDS stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs are used to keep the inflammation of the area affected by arthritis to a minimum, allowing for a decrease in pain and stiffness, and possibly giving the joint a slightly longer range of motion. Commonly used NSAIDS include such household drugs as simple aspirin, ibuprofen, and celebrex.

Another type of drug that is often prescribed in order to help treat arthritic problems is known as DMARDS. Standing for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, these compounds act slowly with their effects on arthritis building up after a few weeks. These drugs can help to stop the progression of such arthritis types as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Using the DMARDS for a long period of time can cause a ceasing of damage to the affected joint, and they are a great option for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Corticosteroids represent another type of drug that is used by arthritis patients. These drugs work by reducing swelling and inflammation in those with arthritis, leading to pain relief and a loosening of the stiff joint. Corticosteroids are most often used to stop inflammation in joints and organs that may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis. Since these drugs are steroidal, and very similar to a compound produced in the adrenal glands, dosage varies from case to case. If used over a long period of time or in too high of doses, corticosteroids have been determined to lead to long term problems.

Since the pain associated with arthritis can be so great, many arthritis sufferers resort to pain medications to help curb the agony. Referred to in the medical field as analgesics, substances such as Tylenol, codeine, darvocet, percocet, and vicodin are often prescribed when the pain of arthritis gets to be too much for a patient. Analgesics work like NSAIDS, but they do not help to curb inflammation.

One class of medication that is rather unique in terms of usage for arthritis is known as a Biologic Response Modifier, or BRM. This type of drugs is not synthesized in a lab, and is instead taken from living sources to help treat particular aspects of arthritis. There are numerous BRMs available, and they can help arthritis patients to cope by decreasing inflammation, blocking the harmful affects of rheumatoid arthritis via a special type of protein, and increasing the body’s T-cells.

When beginning a regimen of drugs to help treat arthritis, it’s important to let your doctor know about any other medications that you may be taking. Using different drugs in tandem can decrease their efficiency to a great degree, so it’s important to be sure that your medications work properly.

Ayurveda is an ancient healing philosophy that integrates the use of botanicals to promote healing. There are four specific botanicals that have been used for hundreds of years to treat the symptoms of arthritis. These are ginger, cur cumin, feverfew, and boswellia. Some of these may sound familiar, while others may not ring a bell at all. Whatever the case may be, if you are seeking all-natural relief from those often-painful arthritis symptoms, these botanicals may be just what you've been searching for.

Ginger: You've probably used ginger to make cookies, to spice up a soup recipe, or in other such kitchen recipes. But did you know that ginger has a long history as a healing spice? It's true: ginger can be used for a variety of ailments. It has long been established as an effective means toward preventing seasickness. Now, some ginger enthusiasts claim that it can also help relieve the pain and stiffness associated with almost all forms of arthritis. There is no hard scientific evidence to prove its efficacy, but its ease of use and overall safety make it a viable natural supplement choice. However, there are certain precautions that one must take before taking ginger. Ginger must not be taken if you take any kind of blood-thinning or high blood pressure medications. Ginger has a mild blood-clot slowing property, and so should not be combined with any kind of medication that affects the blood or blood pressure.

Curcumin: Curcumin is a lesser-known spice that is actually the component of a better-known spice, turmeric. Anecdotal evidence abounds about its ability to relieve joint pressure and pain. Its most common side effects are mild stomach problems, but may include diarrhea and nausea. However, like ginger curcumin should not be used in conjunction with blood thinning or high blood pressure medications. One major caveat: curcumin should be avoided by those individuals prone to developing gallstones or who suffer from any form of gallbladder disease. Studies have shown a link between this spice and the development of gallbladder contractions.

Feverfew: It is an old folk remedy that has long been used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and migraines. However, there is no research evidence that has demonstrated its effectiveness on treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of arthritis. It is generally considered very safe for short-term consumption. The effects of long-term use are not known. Feverfew should be avoided by those who are prone to allergies, especially to herbs and flowers from the daisy family. Some health professionals also believe that feverfew may have contraindications for certain prescription medications.

Boswellia: This botanical is sometimes referred to as Indian frankincense. It is made from the resin of a native Indian tree and has been traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine to treat chronic pain and stiffness. It is considered safe, but reported side effects include mild stomach irritation, nausea, and diarrhea. There are no known contraindications for this botanical, as there have been no major studies on boswellia to date.