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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.
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