Which symptom is most typical of fibromyalgia?

Which symptom is most typical of fibromyalgia?

• A. Erythema migrans
• B. Joint effusions
• C. Widespread point tenderness
• D. Positive ANA

Answer: (C)

Fibromyalgia presents with chronic, widespread pain and tenderness across many areas of the body, often with fatigue and sleep disturbance, while joints look normal and there’s no true inflammation. The best-fitting symptom is widespread tenderness to palpation in multiple regions. In fibromyalgia, exams typically reveal no swelling, redness, or joint effusions, and lab tests (including ANA) are usually normal or non-specific. Erythema migrans is the Lyme disease rash, signaling a different illness. Joint effusions point to inflammatory or infectious arthritis, not fibromyalgia. A positive ANA suggests an autoimmune condition rather than fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia presents with chronic, widespread pain and tenderness across many areas of the body, often with fatigue and sleep disturbance, while joints look normal and there’s no true inflammation. The best-fitting symptom is widespread tenderness to palpation in multiple regions. In fibromyalgia, exams typically reveal no swelling, redness, or joint effusions, and lab tests (including ANA) are usually normal or non-specific. Erythema migrans is the Lyme disease rash, signaling a different illness. Joint effusions point to inflammatory or infectious arthritis, not fibromyalgia. A positive ANA suggests an autoimmune condition rather than fibromyalgia.