Treating Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia
Osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia are two health problems that share some common symptoms and they may co-exist in the same patient. Due to the similarity of their main symptoms, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may be confused, especially in senior citizens. The characteristic symptoms of both conditions are pain and stiffness in joints and their surrounding areas. The precise nature of the two diseases, however, differs in some important regards.
Difference between Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia
Osteoarthritis is a common type of rheumatic diseases that affect joints, bones, and muscles of the body. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones in a joint starts wearing away, causing ache, pain, and stiffness in them. Fibromyalgia is a less well-understood syndrome comprising a number of seemingly unrelated symptoms. The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain, stiffness, and fatigue. However, the pain in fibromyalgia is widespread throughout the body while that in osteoarthritis is confined to the particular joints where the cartilage is worn away.
Medication for Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia
Analgesics i.e. painkillers are used to relieve the pain experienced by patients of both osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Both over-the-counter analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents are used for this purpose. In case of fibromyalgia, a number of other drugs may be prescribed for temporary relief from other symptoms like depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Natural alternatives are continuously being looked for in order to help patients of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia avoid the many side effects associated with these prescription drugs.
Nutrition Therapy for Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia
An increasingly emphasized approach to controlling the symptoms of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia is by taking healthy food items and restricting others that might aggravate the symptoms. In general, fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and plenty of health-friendly fluids are recommended for such patients while foods sources containing alcohol, caffeine, and fats (particularly anima fats) are discouraged. Nutritional supplements or foods containing Omega-3 oils (e.g. fish) are also helpful in coping with inflammation over time.
Exercise and Weight Control
Regular exercise has been found to improve the overall health of patients of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Exercise, however, should not be too strenuous to damage body muscles or joints. In addition to building muscular strength and boosting immunity, exercise provides an effective mean of control on weight, which is also helpful in healing from rheumatic diseases. Some of the useful exercises include yoga, swimming, and strength-building practices. Meditation is especially recommended for patients of fibromyalgia since meditation reduces stress and improves sleep, two main concerns of those suffering from fibromyalgia.
