Get involved with the arthritis community. Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.
There are many volunteer opportunities available. Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis. Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease.
Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now! Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift. I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions.
Become a Volunteer More About Volunteering. By taking part in the Live Yes! And all it takes is just 10 minutes. Your shared experiences will help: - Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes - Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community - Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.
Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community. Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis JA community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. Get Started. As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability.
Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes. Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. However, they are different disorders with different causes. In fact, it is possible for a person to have both polymyalgia and fibromyalgia. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory form of arthritis.
Fibromyalgia does not show traditional signs of inflammation , though some recent research from suggests it may also involve inflammation. This means that fibromyalgia may occur because of the way that the brain and nerves perceive sensation, while polymyalgia develops due to a problem with the immune system. Both conditions can cause widespread pain throughout the body. Similarities and differences in symptoms of polymyalgia and fibromyalgia include:.
Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that when a person has widespread chronic pain throughout the body, and a doctor cannot find any other cause, they might diagnose fibromyalgia. No single test can determine if a person has fibromyalgia. However, a physical exam that looks for specific tender points may be helpful. A doctor may also take blood samples to rule out inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia.
Blood tests can usually diagnose polymyalgia. Most people with polymyalgia have elevated levels of inflammatory proteins in their blood. Their red blood cells may also show changes that are characteristic of inflammation. A doctor may also perform other tests to rule out other inflammatory diseases, such as a biopsy or blood test for rheumatoid factor.
These tests are standard for people with polymyalgia, but not for people with some other conditions. Corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for polymyalgia. Corticosteroids are so effective at treating polymyalgia that if symptoms do not get better after using them, then polymyalgia might not be the right diagnosis.
There is a range of medications available that may reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, including:. Unlike with polymyalgia, finding the correct drug to treat fibromyalgia is often a process of trial and error. Drug treatment for fibromyalgia tends to work best when it is used in combination with other remedies, especially exercise.
Treatment for polymyalgia focuses on reducing inflammation while treating fibromyalgia emphasizes pain management and reducing central sensitization. Multiple joint swelling Morning stiffness Rheumatoid nodules. Maculopapular rash Multi-system involvement. Positive anti-Smith antibodies. Fatigue plus 4 of the following symptoms: Short-term memory loss Sore throat Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit Muscle pain Joint pain without swelling or redness Headaches Insomnia Malaise.
Diagnosis of exclusions Symptoms must present for more than 6 months. Axial skeletal pain and stiffness Restricted spinal motion. Localized joint pain Restricted to affect joints Older at onset. Degenerative joint changes on x-ray. Systemic symptoms such as weight gain , constipation , dry skin Muscular aching Prominent fatigue. Pelvic and shoulder girdle muscle weakness Rash. Muscle biopsy confirms the diagnosis Elevated CPK enzyme. Numbness and tingling Paresthesia. Abnormal EMG.
Weight loss.
0コメント