arthritis caused by fms?

waht is traveling pain?  i have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the back and arthritis of more joints than i knew i had.  a friend of mine went to the doctor and said the arthritis might also be related to fibro.  what do you thing? thankx

[Dr Vinod]

Dear sarrrr, We would try to give you a fair idea about both Fibromyalgia, FMS and Osteoarthritis, OA.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by long-lasting widespread pain (traveling pain) and tenderness at specific points on the body. The term “fibromyalgia” means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Although not defining characteristics, sleep disturbances and fatigue are also integral symptoms of fibromyalgia.

This condition is referred to as a syndrome because it’s a set of signs and symptoms that occur together with no known cause or identifiable reason. Although considered an arthritis-related condition, fibromyalgia is not truly a form of arthritis because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles or other tissues. It is, however, considered a rheumatic condition because it impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain.
Fibromyalgia is an especially confusing and often misunderstood condition.
So for proper diagnosis you have to visit an expert.

Osteoarthritis (OA), is a group of diseases and mechanical abnormalities entailing degradation of joints. Clinical symptoms of OA may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, inflammation, creaking, and locking of joints.
The main symptom is acute pain, causing loss of ability and often stiffness. "Pain" is generally described as a sharp ache, or a burning sensation in the associated muscles and tendons. OA can cause a crackling noise (called "crepitus") when the affected joint is moved or touched, and patients may experience muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons.

So now you can easily differentiate OA & FMS and you should always take an expert opinion in diagnosing it properly and going for treament accordingly early.

Take care!

[jerry28]

A related discussion, WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION. was started.