Differentiation between rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia? Any specific pathological test?

Question

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia are two different conditions with some similar symptoms. These include: pain that may feel like a dull ache sleep disturbances fatigue feelings of depression and anxiety The causes of these conditions are very different. RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body?s immune system to attack its joints. Fibromyalgia is a disorder marked by musculoskeletal pain and symptoms of fatigue, trouble sleeping, and problems with memory and mood. While the Arthritis Foundation (AF) considers fibromyalgia to be an ?arthritis-related condition,? there are clear differences between the two conditions. RA and fibromyalgia progress very differently. Fibromyalgia usually causes constant pain that may worsen with poor sleep and stress. On the other hand, RA can flare up and grow progressively worse without treatment. Diagnosing RA There?s no single test for RA, so your doctor will perform a complete medical history and physical examination. They?ll also conduct several tests to help confirm an RA diagnosis. These include: a review of your medical history and that of your family a physical exam to look for joint tenderness, swelling, and pain blood tests to look for inflammation auto-antibody tests, about 80 percent of people with RA have the rheumatoid factor antibody imaging tests, such as ultrasound, to look for joint damage or inflammation A fibromyalgia diagnosis can be difficult to confirm. While there may be clear signs and symptoms, there isn?t one test or examination that can determine if you have fibromyalgia. One of the best ways for your doctor to help diagnose fibromyalgia is to rule out other conditions.

Karuna Chawla · Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia are two different conditions with some similar symptoms. These include: pain that may feel like a dull ache sleep disturbances fatigue feelings of depression and anxiety The causes of these conditions are very different. RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body?s immune system to attack its joints. Fibromyalgia is a disorder marked by musculoskeletal pain and symptoms of fatigue, trouble sleeping, and problems with memory and mood. While the Arthritis Foundation (AF) considers fibromyalgia to be an ?arthritis-related condition,? there are clear differences between the two conditions. RA and fibromyalgia progress very differently. Fibromyalgia usually causes constant pain that may worsen with poor sleep and stress. On the other hand, RA can flare up and grow progressively worse without treatment. Diagnosing RA There?s no single test for RA, so your doctor will perform a complete medical history and physical examination. They?ll also conduct several tests to help confirm an RA diagnosis. These include: a review of your medical history and that of your family a physical exam to look for joint tenderness, swelling, and pain blood tests to look for inflammation auto-antibody tests, about 80 percent of people with RA have the rheumatoid factor antibody imaging tests, such as ultrasound, to look for joint damage or inflammation A fibromyalgia diagnosis can be difficult to confirm. While there may be clear signs and symptoms, there isn?t one test or examination that can determine if you have fibromyalgia. One of the best ways for your doctor to help diagnose fibromyalgia is to rule out other conditions.