Fibromyalgia
Overview:
Fibromyalgia is a disorder in which widespread musculoskeletal pain is observed and is frequently accompanied by fatigue, sleep loss, memory and mood issues. Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia have a higher sensitivity to pain and experience pain symptoms throughout their body from head to toe. Although fibromyalgia is a systemic disorder which results in pain throughout the body, foot pain is reported in approximately half of the patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia making walking and participating in daily activities difficult. Furthermore compensations for foot pain may result in gait abnormalities further causing knee or hip pain. Symptoms:
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Diagnosis:
There are no specific tests for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Many of the signs and symptoms found in fibromyalgia are also present in other conditions therefore the doctor must conduct a careful examination in order to rule out other conditions. Upon ruling out other conditions an examination of the 18 key points on the body chart will be conducted in order to asses for pain. A diagnosis of fibromyalgia may be given if signs and symptoms and history do not meet criteria of other conditions and if the patient presents with pain in at least 11 of the 18 key points.
Treatment:
Treatment options for fibromyalgia include a number of medications and lifestyle modifications. Medications may include pain medications, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. Lifestyle modifications may be aimed at reducing stress, obtaining adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
There are no specific tests for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Many of the signs and symptoms found in fibromyalgia are also present in other conditions therefore the doctor must conduct a careful examination in order to rule out other conditions. Upon ruling out other conditions an examination of the 18 key points on the body chart will be conducted in order to asses for pain. A diagnosis of fibromyalgia may be given if signs and symptoms and history do not meet criteria of other conditions and if the patient presents with pain in at least 11 of the 18 key points.
Treatment:
Treatment options for fibromyalgia include a number of medications and lifestyle modifications. Medications may include pain medications, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. Lifestyle modifications may be aimed at reducing stress, obtaining adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
References:
- Rossy, L. et al. "A meta analysis of fibromyalgia treatment interventions." Annals of Behavioral Medicine. 1999. 21:2;180-191.
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/fibromyalgia/when-fibromyalgia-affects-your-feet.aspx
Last Edited by: Jordon Cavanagh , SPT at AT Still University on July 12, 2014