Patient discussing diagnosis with doctor.

Was Your Fibromyalgia Diagnosis Actually Something Else?

June 30, 2022
Other Conditions

Every day at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Treatment Center, we see patients who experience symptoms of chronic pain, joint stiffness, fatigue, and foggy memory, even though they were previously treated for fibromyalgia. Most often, these patients have a different condition altogether.

Research shows that fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed. At AOTC, we take the time and care with each patient to ensure the proper diagnosis is made. Once patients begin treatment with our experienced rheumatologists, they finally begin to feel better.

If you’re still experiencing pain while on fibromyalgia treatment, you don’t have to suffer. You may have another condition, and could benefit from a different treatment plan. Here is everything you need to know about fibromyalgia, diagnosis, and the other common conditions that mimic fibromyalgia symptoms.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a serious medical condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness. Those who suffer can also experience sleep problems, fatigue, memory problems, emotional or mental distress, and are often more sensitive to pain.

This condition is unique in that it can affect each patient in different ways. For example, some people with fibromyalgia may experience significant fatigue that can interfere with their daily lives. Others may suffer from joint pain and soft tissue damage.

Why is Fibromyalgia Commonly Misdiagnosed?

How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

The best way to ensure an accurate diagnosis for fibromyalgia is to get tested by an experienced rheumatologist. Typically, doctors diagnose the illness based on patient history, X-rays, and blood work. Physical examinations are also used to check for visible signs of other conditions, like arthritis.

What Other Conditions Can Mimic Fibromyalgia?

Many health issues share the same symptoms as fibromyalgia. No matter your joint condition, the experienced rheumatologists at AOTC can help diagnose and treat you for pain relief.

Psoriatic Arthritis

This is an autoimmune condition in people who also have the skin condition psoriasis. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include stiffness, joint pain and swelling, and the red, scaly rashes caused by psoriasis. It can also cause painful inflammation in the eyes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes pain and inflammation in joint linings, often in the hands and feet. If the condition worsens, this inflammation may spread to other parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, and heart.

Like fibromyalgia, symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and chronic pain. Rheumatoid arthritis patients, however, suffer from stiff joints.

Lupus

This autoimmune disease is a result of the immune system attacking the body’s organs and tissues. In addition to joint pain and fatigue, the condition can cause memory loss, rashes, and even hair loss.

Unlike fibromyalgia, the disease causes inflammation throughout organs like the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. This organ damage can ultimately lead to life-threatening health issues. That’s why early diagnosis is crucial.

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle pain and joint stiffness. These symptoms are often specific to the shoulder and hip areas. Patients with this condition often suffer from morning joint stiffness, which worsens due to a lack of physical activity.

Schedule an Appointment at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Treatment Center

At Arthritis & Osteoporosis Treatment Center in Orange Park, Florida, we prioritize patient care to ensure that all rheumatic diseases are accurately diagnosed. It is our mission to restore patients’ quality of life and provide them with the best, individualized treatments that work. If you’re suffering from joint pain, make an appointment at AOTC. Our experienced rheumatologists will create a personalized treatment plan tailored just for you.