If you’re seeking polymyalgia rheumatica treatment to help reduce the symptoms and maintain comfort and mobility, the team at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Associates can help. There are a few ways that PRM treatment can help, but first, you need to understand the condition with its underlying causes, symptoms, and how you can manage it.
What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PRM), is an inflammatory condition that commonly affects adults over the age of 50. It causes muscle pain and stiffness, which can begin to impact daily activities, particularly in the morning. But while it can restrict mobility and discomfort, it is very treatable and most patients can expect relief quickly.
The Causes of PRM
While there’s no specific cause to developing PRM, there are a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors that can be attributed to the condition. These include:
- Immune System/Inflammation: the condition is autoimmune, which results in the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues, resulting in inflammation, particularly around the joints.
- Age Factors: this condition mainly affects individuals 50 and over.
- Genetically Predisposed: there’s a commonality with PRM and certain genetic markers which may make individuals susceptible.
- Environmental: there’s no definitive environmental factor; but cases appear to follow infections and even seasonal patterns.
- Giant Cell Arteritis: individuals experiencing PMR may also be susceptible to Giant Cell Arteritis, which causes inflammation of the blood vessels, particularly in the head which can impact vision.
What are the Symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
The symptoms of PMR can develop quickly over the course of a few days, and sometimes even weeks, which tend to affect both sides of the body. These symptoms include:
- Stiffness and pain in the shoulder
- Thigh and hip discomfort
- Stiffness in the morning typically lasting 30-60 minutes
- Reduced range of motion
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue
- Sometimes low-grade fevers
PMR can result in difficulty with mundane daily tasks like getting out of a chair, lifting objects, and even getting dressed.
How is Polymyalgia Rheumatica Diagnosed?
There are a combination of different tests and evaluations that need to be conducted in order to diagnose a patient with PMR. These include:
- Blood tests: detecting inflammatory markers in the blood such as ESP and CRP.
- Physical exam and medical history: your provider will review the pattern of stiffness and pain while reviewing your medical history for any indicator of PMR.
- Imaging: if needed, your provider will order an ultrasound or MRI to detect inflammation in your joints and soft tissues.
Getting PRM Treatment
If you’re seeking out polymyalgia rheumatica treatment, there are a few factors that will be included in your management of the condition. These include:
- Corticosteroids: these low-dose steroids are the primary treatment and often show major improvement.
- Tapering dosage: once you’ve received relief from the symptoms, the medication will slowly be reduced over the course of months to years.
- Regular follow ups/blood tests: you’ll need to follow up with visits to your practitioner and get regular blood tests to ensure inflammation is under control and no relapse has occurred.
- Light Exercise: it’s recommended that you conduct regular gentle exercises to help maintain flexibility and muscle strength.
Seek Polymyalgia Treatment with Arthritis & Osteoporosis Associates
If you’re experiencing the symptoms and looking for PRM treatment, you can get diagnosed and treated with us. We’ll carefully examine your systems to determine the severity of the condition so we’ll know how to treat it effectively.
Find relief today and schedule a visit with us*!
*It’s recommended that you speak with your primary care professional before seeking alternate treatment.
