About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition involving widespread tenderness, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep and cognitive symptoms. Diagnosis is based on the overall pattern and on excluding other explanations rather than a single laboratory test.
Symptoms can overlap between conditions. How they change, relevant health history, medications and risk factors are therefore as important as the condition name during an assessment.
Symptoms and details worth noting
Before a consultation, note the details that best describe the concern. They help the healthcare professional understand the problem and how urgent it may be.
- Where the pain is located and what movement triggers it
- Swelling, bruising, stiffness, weakness or numbness
- The injury mechanism or activity change
- Ability to walk, bear weight or use the affected area
Possible causes and context
These factors can guide an assessment, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis on their own.
- A fall, twist, impact or repetitive activity
- Changes in footwear, exercise or work demands
- Inflammation, arthritis or overuse
- Medication use and prior injury
LASO MD
How a virtual consultation may help
The healthcare professional first checks symptoms, risk factors and warning signs. Based on the assessment, they may discuss appropriate options or recommend in-person care.
- Review how the problem began
- Observe movement and visible swelling by video
- Discuss safe early care and activity modification
- Decide whether imaging or hands-on examination is required
Signs that need prompt attention
Seek urgent care for an obvious deformity, loss of circulation or sensation, an open wound over an injury, inability to bear weight after major trauma, or a hot swollen joint with fever.