Polymyalgia Rheumatica

A common illness known as polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) causes widespread stiffness and pain. Upper arms, the neck, the lower back, and the thighs are frequently affected. Mornings are often worse for pain and stiffness. PMR is difficult to diagnose since it doesn’t result in swollen joints. Giant cell arteritis, an autoimmune condition, may coexist with it. After 50, it becomes increasingly prevalent.

Even while PMR affects women more frequently than males, it can affect anybody. The cause of PMR is uncertain. No medicine has any effect on it. Inflammation can be found in PMR. According to several studies, bursitis or hip or shoulder bursae (sacs) may be the cause of PMR discomfort. Thus, treatment for PMR inflammation works immediately.

Symptoms Of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

The following list of polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms and indicators might apply to both sides of the body:

Stiffness or discomfort in your shoulders
Aches or soreness in your hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, or neck
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after being sedentary for a while, in the afflicted areas.
Restricted mobility in the afflicted parts
Your wrists, elbows, or knees may hurt or feel stiff.

Additionally, you could have more widespread signs and symptoms like:

Slight fever
Fatigue
A persistent illness (malaise) sensation
Reduced appetite
Unwanted loss of weight
Depression

Causes of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Although the exact origin of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown, it is believed that a mix of hereditary and environmental factors is responsible for the condition. The condition polymyalgia rheumatica is age-related. The majority of those diagnosed with it are over 65, while cases in those under 50 are quite uncommon. Women experience it more frequently than men do.

Treatment

Typically, medication is used as part of treatment to lessen your symptoms and indications. Relapses happen often:

Medications

The most common form of treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica is a modest dosage of an oral corticosteroid. Within the first two or three days, discomfort and stiffness will probably start to subside. In order to prevent bone loss arises due to corticosteroid therapy, your doctor will probably advise you to take regular dosages of calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Physical Therapy

Most persons with polymyalgia rheumatica who take corticosteroids resume their prior levels of exercise. However, physical therapy could be helpful if you have experienced a prolonged period of inactivity. If you think physical therapy would be a good choice for you, discuss it with your doctor.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and protein. Also, reduce your intake of salt (sodium) to avoid fluid retention and high blood pressure.

Rest

Your body needs to rest in order to recuperate from exercise and daily activities.

Use Assistive Devices

To make daily activities simpler, think about using baggage and supermarket carts, reaching aids, shower grab bars, and other helpful gadgets.

Support and Coping

Even while you will start feeling better shortly after starting therapy, having to take medicine every day might be annoying. Especially when that drug has such severe side effects. While taking corticosteroids, find out what precautions you may take to maintain your health by speaking with your medical team. There may be regional support groups in your area that your doctor is aware of. Thus, it could be beneficial to talk to people who are dealing with the same sickness and difficulties.