Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis are two chronic pain conditions that could affect a person. It has been noticed that if a person is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, they are at a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia as well. Although the conditions are very different, some of the symptoms are very similar which could make diagnosing the condition a difficult process. These conditions could cause the same feeling of pain and exhaustion but could vary in their other symptoms.

Fibromyalgia
Some of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia include the following:

• Skin that feels sunburned or too tender
• Pain in the tissues of the thighs, torso, arms, back, buttocks, and back of the head
• Trigger points in the body that are hardened and radiate immense pain when touched
• Pain that spreads throughout the body and affects one half of the body or more
• Gastrointestinal problems like constipation and diarrhea
• Headaches and dizziness

• Restless leg syndrome
• Immensely painful menstrual cycles
• Problems remembering things and thinking clearly
• Extreme sensitivity to different temperatures, sounds, and noises

The common causes of fibromyalgia include the following:

• Genes
• Other diseases
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Gender
• Sitting or standing still for long periods of time
• Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders over long periods of time

Rheumatoid arthritis
Some of the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include the following:

• Severe peripheral swelling in the joints throughout the body
• Pain and tenderness that only affects the joints
• Tenderness and pain felt equally on both sides of the body; this may range from mild to severe
• The onset and continued presence of a fever
• Anemia

The exact cause of the disease is unknown but there are several people who are at a higher risk. The common risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis include the following:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Gender
• Genes
• Trauma

The possibility of fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis coexisting together is high. As mentioned above, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of contracting fibromyalgia. According to various studies, around 20–30% of people with rheumatoid arthritis also suffer from fibromyalgia. The chronic pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis makes the nervous system hypersensitive over time. This may lead to the onset of fibromyalgia. It is imperative to consult a doctor at the earliest if any of the symptoms of fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis are first noticed.