Fibromyalgia is an arthritis related disease that's often difficult to diagnose because it's so often mistaken for arthritis. There are over 100 forms of arthritis, and any one of them can reflect the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Both arthritis sufferers and fibromyalgia sufferers generally describe pain as their primary symptom.
Unlike arthritis, however, the pain is not localized in a specific joint or muscle; it's widespread, throbbing, sharp and deep. While the pain is widespread, many fibromyalgia patients also 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. Under these circumstances, it's easy to understand why fibromyalgia is so difficult to diagnose.
Swelling or damage in the joints is known as arthritis. Some patients affected by arthritis though, could also be suffering from fibromyalgia. The swelling caused because of fibromyalgia occurs mostly in the hands and the feet. This can be used as a distinguishing tool between patients of arthritis and those of fibromyalgia. While those suffering from fibromyalgia get swellings that resemble edema, those suffering from arthritis get swelling which are particularly located at the joints.
One thing that one must always keep in mind is the fact that in case of the disease under discussion, the swelling will never be in the painful areas. Yet, if one exerts pressure over the painful areas then the patient is sure to wince.
While the disease has become well known for its mystery and the challenge associated with its diagnosis, health care professionals are more aware of the telltale Fibromyalgia symptoms than ever before. Using the 18 specific tender spots as guides and learning to identify pain by degress and location have helped enormously.
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