1. What Is Arthritis, Gout, and Fibromyalgia?

Arthritis is defined as any condition that causes inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Even though Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness, it does not damage the joints beyond repair.

Gout happens when uric acid crystals build up in the blood, causing a sudden attack of acute Arthritis. Fibromyalgia occurs when people experience long-term, body-wide pain, and tenderness. Unlike Arthritis, fibromyalgia doesn’t cause inflammation or swelling in the joints.

Arthritis:

a condition that causes inflammation or swelling of one or more joints

Gout:

a condition that results when uric acid crystals build up in the blood, causing a sudden attack of acute Arthritis

Fibromyalgia:

a condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness.

2. How are they different from one another Arthritis, Gout, and Fibromyalgia?

While Arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia are all associated with pain and stiffness in the joints of adults over the age of 18, they’re quite different from one another. While there is no cure for any condition known as “Arthritis,” many conditions that cause Arthritis can be managed or treated.

Let’s take a closer look at each condition so that you can determine which one is affecting your body.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a term used to describe over 100 different conditions, all of which have similar symptoms. The most common types of Arthritis include OsteoArthritis, psoriatic Arthritis, rheumatoid Arthritis, and gouty Arthritis. OsteoArthritis is the most common type of Arthritis, and it occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down.

This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint. Psoriatic Arthritis is a type of Arthritis that affects people who have psoriasis- a condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a type of autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system attacks its joints.

Gouty Arthritis occurs when crystals build up in the connective tissue and cause sudden pain and stiffness.

Gout

Gout happens when uric acid crystals build up in the blood, causing a sudden attack of acute Arthritis. This condition is often caused by eating too much high-purine food or drinking too much alcohol.

Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body in urine, but when there is too much of it, it can form crystals. These crystals can cause pain, inflammation, and swelling in the joint.

Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can also occur in other areas of the body.

Fibromyalgia

Unlike Arthritis, which is a condition that causes inflammation or swelling of one or more joints, fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain, and tenderness.

The symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include widespread pain, fatigue, and headaches. Fibromyalgia is a relatively new condition, so there is still much that is unknown about it.

Researchers believe that fibromyalgia may be caused by changes in the way the brain processes pain signals.

3. Symptoms of each condition

The symptoms of Arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms that you can look out for.

Arthritis

Symptoms of Arthritis can vary depending on the type of Arthritis that you have, but common symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint.

The pain can often start gradually or suddenly, and it can vary in intensity.

Gout

The symptoms of gout are often intense and very painful. Symptoms usually begin suddenly- commonly in the big toe, but they can also occur in other areas of the body.

The joints may be warm to the touch and inflamed, and you may notice redness and swelling. The symptoms of gout are often the most intense during the first few days of an attack, but they can last for weeks or months if left untreated.

Fibromyalgia

Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person, but common symptoms include widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body, fatigue, and headaches.

Many people with fibromyalgia also report experiencing cognitive problems, such as problems with memory and concentration. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary in intensity and frequency, and they may come and go over time.

4. Treatment options for each condition (i.e., medications)

Many treatments can help to manage the symptoms of Arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia.

Arthritis

There is no cure for Arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. For some types of Arthritis, the first-line treatment is exercise and weight loss because this can strengthen joints and improve joint mobility.

Anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen may also be recommended to reduce joint pain and swelling. If these treatments don’t work, stronger medications are often prescribed, including steroids or other prescription drugs.

Gout

The first-line treatment for gout is usually anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. If these medications don’t work, your doctor may prescribe drugs called uricosurics which can help to lower the levels of uric acid in the blood.

If you have a severe gout attack, your doctor may give you a shot of corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Fibromyalgia

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are many different treatment options available. The first-line treatment for fibromyalgia is exercise and stretching, as this can strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also be helpful because it teaches people with fibromyalgia how to better understand their condition and cope with the pain. Other treatment options can include medication or acupuncture, but these should only be used when the first-line treatments fail.

5. Prevention methods for the conditions (i.e., diet, exercise)

There is no known way to prevent Arthritis, gout, or fibromyalgia, but there are things that you can do to help manage the symptoms.

Arthritis

There is no known way to prevent Arthritis, but there are things that you can do to help manage the symptoms. Exercise and weight loss can be helpful because they strengthen joints and improve joint mobility.

Taking anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen can also help to reduce pain and swelling.

Gout

The best way to prevent gout is to keep your levels of uric acid in check by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

If you do have a gout attack, taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help to reduce pain and swelling.

Fibromyalgia

There is no known way to prevent fibromyalgia, but there are many things that you can do to help manage the symptoms. Exercise and stretching can be helpful because they increase flexibility and strengthen muscles.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also be helpful because it teaches people with fibromyalgia how to better understand their condition and cope with the pain.

6. Most common symptoms of each condition

Arthritis

The most common symptoms of Arthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain can be mild to severe and it often gets worse with age.

Other symptoms include swelling, redness, and warmth in the joint.

Gout

The most common symptoms of gout are sudden attacks of intense pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint.

The pain can be so severe that it’s difficult to move the joint. Other symptoms include a red, swollen, and shiny joint, as well as a low-grade fever.

Fibromyalgia

The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems.

The pain can be anywhere from mild to severe, and it often gets worse with age. Other symptoms include headaches, joint pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and problems with memory and concentration.

7. Which condition is most common?

Arthritis is the most common condition, affecting about 50 million Americans. Gout is less common than Arthritis, but it affects about 8 million people worldwide.

Fibromyalgia is much less common than Arthritis or gout, with an estimated 2-5% of adults in the United States suffering from the disorder.

8. Which condition has no cure?

Arthritis and fibromyalgia both currently have no cure, but doctors can treat the symptoms.

Gout does not currently have a cure, but it can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes.

9. Which condition is known to affect mostly men?

Gout is known to affect more men than women. Arthritis and fibromyalgia can both affect men and women, but some symptoms are more common in women.

For example, women are more likely to experience pain in the pelvic region with fibromyalgia.

10. Who is most at risk for developing each condition?

Arthritis is most common in people who are older than 55 and those that eat a Western diet.

Gout is more common in men than women and it’s also associated with obesity and heavy alcohol use. Fibromyalgia can affect anyone over the age of 18 but is most common in women.

It’s also associated with other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, and depression.

Conclusion:

If you’re experiencing pain and stiffness in your joints, it’s important to see a doctor so that he or she can determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

While these conditions may sound similar, they’re quite different from one another and each has its own unique set of symptoms. Arthritis is the most common condition, affecting about 50 million Americans.

Gout is less common than Arthritis, but it affects about 8 million people worldwide. Fibromyalgia is much less common than Arthritis or gout, with an estimated 2-5% of adults in the United States suffering from the disorder. 

FAQ:

What is the difference between Arthritis and Arthralgia?

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, while Arthralgia is the pain that occurs in the joint itself.

Arthritis can be caused by several different conditions, including rheumatoid Arthritis, OsteoArthritis, and gout. Arthralgia can be caused by several conditions, including Arthritis and osteoporosis.

What is the difference between gout and pseudogout?

Gout is a form of Arthritis that causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the joints. Pseudogout is also a type of Arthritis that causes similar symptoms but it’s caused by crystals depositing in the affected joints.

Pseudogout can be caused by too much uric acid in the body, which is a risk factor for gout.

What causes fibromyalgia?

No one knows what causes fibromyalgia. However, doctors believe that it’s associated with changes in brain chemistry that cause pain signals to be sent to the brain.

These signals may become amplified over time, which results in the widespread pain and fatigue that’s associated with the condition.

What is rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a type of autoimmune disorder that causes pain and swelling in the joints.

The autoimmune disorder interferes with the body’s ability to produce healthy joint tissue, which can eventually lead to joint deformity.

What is osteoArthritis?

OsteoArthritis is a condition that causes the cartilage in the joints to wear down over time.

Cartilage is the tissue that protects the bones and allows them to move smoothly against each other. When it wears down, pain and stiffness can occur along with joint deformity.

What does a diagnosis of Arthralgia mean?

A diagnosis of Arthralgia means that you’re experiencing pain in the joints. The cause of the pain can’t be determined, but it’s likely due to some type of joint disorder. Arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia are all possible causes of Arthralgia.

What are the first signs of osteoArthritis?

The first signs of osteoArthritis are usually pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain may be worse after periods of inactivity or when you first wake up in the morning.

Over time, you may also experience joint deformity and difficulty moving your joints.

What is the treatment for Arthritis?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Arthritis. However, the most common treatments include medications like pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids.

You may also need physical therapy to help keep your joints mobile and exercises to help strengthen the muscles around your joints. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.

What is the treatment for gout?

The gout treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you’re experiencing a gout attack. During an attack, drinking plenty of water and taking anti-inflammatory medications may be enough to reduce pain and swelling in the joints.

However, drinking too much water can trigger another attack so it’s important to speak with your doctor about the best way to drink fluids. Long-term treatment for gout usually involves medications like allopurinol, which helps to lower uric acid levels in the body.

Article Sources:

-http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/basics/symptoms/con-20020446

-http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/fibromyalgia

-http://www.Arthritisresearchuk.org/Arthritis-information/types-of-Arthritis/rheumatoid-Arthritis/symptoms.aspx

-http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp

-http://www.medicinenet.com/gout/article.htm