Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that results in pain in the joints due to inflammation. Similarly, fibromyalgia, particularly common in women, is another chronic disorder associated with muscle pain in several parts of the body accompanied by fatigue. Since the symptoms exhibited by patients with fibromyalgia are so similar to arthritis and related conditions, it is sometimes grouped under the same umbrella by the experts.

Diagnosis and cure
Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily diagnosed because of the evident inflammation in the joints, but the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is not as straightforward as the symptoms might point to several other conditions. The doctor has to rule out one after the other to arrive at the possibility of fibromyalgia, especially because there is still no standard test procedure available to detect the condition in a straightforward manner.

Both these conditions do not have a cure yet. The only choice available is to manage the condition in a systematic way so that a patient can lead a normal life. Rheumatoid arthritis medications include anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling and pain. These are prescribed by the doctor depending on the medical history of the patient concerned.

In the case of fibromyalgia, the doctor might prescribe pain medications to ease the pain. Meanwhile, the fatigue could affect the patient in several ways, and the onset of depression could be one of the results, and hence anti-depressants might be prescribed.

Pain management
It is advisable to seek therapy for rheumatoid arthritis fibromyalgia treatments for managing the condition in an efficient manner, and the doctors highly recommend it as well. Therapy might include a physical therapy session in the case of rheumatoid arthritis wherein the therapist can teach exercises aimed at easing the pain and improving the movement of the limbs.

In the case of fibromyalgia, apart from physical therapy, counseling sessions could be helpful as the condition could take a toll on a person’s mental strength and the counseling can provide the required boost to drive your energy in the right counseling and manage the condition better without being depressed.

If rheumatoid arthritis worsens, surgery might be recommended which will involve one of the surgical procedures such as tendon repair, joint fusion or total joint replacement. The operation carries its inherent risks. The doctor will assess the benefits based on the patient history and condition before advising on surgical intervention, only if the benefits outweigh the risk involved.

Some alternative medicines such as consuming fish oil or oils sourced from plants such as primrose as supplements has also been known to ease the pain. Still, the best way to handle the situation is by making lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, eating and sleeping well and exercising on a regular basis, which will help in the longer run to lead a wholesome life.