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Answers tagged pain: Page 1 of 1
Q:

Rasa from Edmonton asks:  I have fibromyalgia, but I am having a difficult time getting in to see a rheumatologist.  Isn’t fibromyalgia treated by rheumatologists?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that presents with diffuse muscle and joint pain, poor sleep, and fatigue. Some patients also describe stomach ailments and have history of headaches. The symptoms may often be vague, but can be debilitating to patients with it.  Rheumatologists often see patients with fibromyalgia before a clear diagnosis has been made.  For some people, it is important to rule out other possibilities, including conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases which require a different treatment approach.

If a diagnosis of fibromyalgia has been established, there is no specific expertise a rheumatologist has compared to other physicians, including family physicians.  The first steps in managing fibromyalgia include a slow progressive increase in exercise, working on sleep hygiene, and learning more about fibromyalgia.  Please visit our webpage on fibromyalgia to learn more the condition and resources available in the Edmonton area.

Q:

Kerri form Okotoks asks:  I had a horrible flu with aches and pain.  I still have the pain and it’s 6 months later.  What should I do?

Influenza is a type of viral infection.  In some individuals, viral infections can cause muscle or joint pain.  It can even cause swelling or inflammation in the joint.  For most, this resolves over days or weeks.  For others, it can continue much longer than that.  It is important to determine if there truly is swelling within the joint, as this would change how pain is managed.  A physician or rheumatologist, by listening to your symptoms and doing an appropriate physical examination, can often determine the cause and put a treatment plan in place.

Q:

Rod from Rocky Mountain House asks: I have had hip pain for some time and had an MRI recently to look for a cause.  However, the pain was not as bad that day.  Does that mean the test was a waste?

As a general rule, it is unlikely that the underlying cause of the pain would have resolved and not be seen on an MRI even if the pain was less at that time.

Q:

Patti from Sherwood Park asks: I have osteoarthritis of my thumb.  I have tried NSAIDs and glucosamine, and am thinking about trying Sierra Sil.  Any suggestions?

Osteoarthritis to the base of the thumb is a common spot to have osteoarthritis.  Treatment is aimed at managing symptoms and improving function.  Because of this, treatment options that works well for one person may not be as effective for the someone else.  We cover many treatment options on our page for osteoarthritis, but one could consider acetaminophen, NSAIDs, a splint, physiotherapy, topical anti-inflammatories, and/or a cortisone injection, amongst other options.  In terms of natural products, please visit our pages on glucosamine, Sierra Sil, and other available natural health products to review them for yourself.



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