What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disease of the muscles and joints characterized by muscle pain (myalgia) and stiffness, affecting both sides of the body, and involving the shoulders, arms, neck, and buttock areas. People with the disease are typically over 50 years of age. Polymyalgia rheumatica is abbreviated PMR.

PMR and temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis) sometimes occur in the same patient. About 10%-15% of people with PMR also have giant cell arteritis.

Other common symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica include:

fatigue

appetite Loss

unintentional weight loss

low red blood cell count

depression

fever

The symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica develop quickly, usually over several days. In some cases, the symptoms may appear overnight. They tend to be worse in the morning and gradually improve throughout the day. For some people, being inactive and remaining in one position for a long period of time can make symptoms worse.

The pain and stiffness may eventually become so severe that people have difficulty performing everyday activities, such as standing up from the couch, getting dressed, or getting into a car. Sometimes, the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica can even make it difficult to fall sleep.

What Causes Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

While the cause of Polymyalgia Rheumatica remains unknown, it’s believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Polymyalgia Rheumatica most commonly impacts women, at a ratio of 2:1, being the predominant cause of soreness in the Western World. There are various environmental factors that can play a role in developing Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Viral infection may be a major cause of the condition as symptoms can occur suddenly. Visiting your doctor for a diagnosis is one of the best ways to determine if you have Polymyalgia Rheumatica or similar conditions such as Arthritis and Lupus. Following a physical exam and several tests, inflammation and blood abnormalities can be determined. 

Treatments For Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Using corticosteroid medication called Prednisolone is the main source of Polymyalgia Rheumatica treatment. It’s also used for relieving painful symptoms. Many Polymyalgia Rheumatica sufferers find that they need to have a course of corticosteroid treatments. They last for 18 months to 2 years, to prevent symptoms from returning. As steroid treatment can affect the bones, potentially increasing the risk of Osteoporosis, it’s important to get enough Calcium and Vitamin D for strong and healthy bones. By managing your health through lifestyle factors, you can minimise the risk of any painful symptoms associated with the condition. Eating a diet with plenty of calcium and Vitamin D, avoiding smoking and drinking will keep you healthy. Doing weight bearing exercises can all keep your body strong if using steroid tablets. Walking is usually one of the most suitable exercises for people with Polymyalgia Rheumatica sufferers. If symptoms of your condition don’t improve from taking the medication – then there may be other causes behind the pain and stiffness. Additional tests may be required to check for other rheumatic disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatic fever.

What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica