POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA

Overview and Facts

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease frequently experienced by older adults that usually causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders, upper back and hip areas. It can cause common aching, stiffness, and flu-like manifestations.

Women are more prone to this disorder rather than men. A recent study shows that Caucasians are more to experience this disorder than other races. It generally develops by the age of 70 and is seldom seen in people younger than 50. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) may last from one to five years, however, it varies from person to person. About 15 percent of people with Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) develop a possibly dangerous condition known as giant cell arteritis.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) typically happen on both sides of the body and might include the following:

Shoulder pain
Aches or pain in the neck, upper arms, backside, hips or thighs
Stiffness in affected areas, especially in the morning or after being idle for a time
Limited motion in affected spots or parts
Pain or stiff wrists, elbows, or knees may be in pain or stiff.

You might also have overall signs and symptoms, including:

Mild fever
Fatigue
A general feeling of not being well (restlessness)
Loss of appetite
Unconscious weight loss
Depression

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

A physical exam, including joint and neurological exams, and test results, can help your doctor find out the source of your pain and stiffness. During the exam, they might lightly move your head and extremities to check out your range of motion.

Your doctor might reassess your findings as your treatment progresses. Some people who have been initially given a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica are later changed to rheumatoid arthritis.

The tests that your doctor might recommend include:

Blood tests

Besides examining your complete blood counts, doctors will also look for two signs of inflammation: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate) and C-reactive protein. However, in some people with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), these tests are usually standard or slightly high.

Imaging test

Progressively, ultrasound is utilized to differentiate polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) from other conditions that may have related symptoms. MRI can also recognize other causes of shoulder pain, such as joint changes.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) may also arise with another serious condition called giant cell arteritis (also known as temporal arteritis), which can be dangerous. New, constant headaches, specifically on the side of the head, scalp tenderness, vision changes, or jaw pain when eating can also be signs of this condition.

TREATMENT

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) treatment focuses on minimizing pain and inflammation, relieving stiffness, achiness, weariness, and fever. Anti-inflammatory medication and exercise are some of the most common treatments.

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce inflammation and relieve stiffness and pain. They are the backbone of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) treatment. The dosage for PMR is low, and symptoms will boost quickly with treatment. The dosage gradually lowered further once symptoms progressed.

At times, mild cases of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, to relieve symptoms.

Both exercise and rest have essential parts in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) treatment. Regular exercise is necessary for maintaining joint flexibility, muscle strength, and function. Good examples of activities may include walking, riding a stationary bicycle, and exercising in a pool. Rest is also imperative to give the body time to regain from exercises and other activities.