Polymyalgia rheumatica Mate uaua mārō
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that causes inflammation, pain and stiffness in your shoulders, neck and hips. It mainly affects people over 60, but the cause is not known. Some people with it go on to develop a more serious condition called giant cell arteritis.
Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica
The symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica vary between people, but generally include:
- pain, aching and tenderness in your neck, shoulders, hips, buttocks and thighs
- stiffness in the morning, lasting more than 30 minutes
- pain when moving your joints
- other general symptoms such as tiredness, weight loss without trying, mild fever and loss of appetite.
Diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and examine your joints. They will want to make sure you do not have giant cell arteritis. They will also want to rule out other health conditions, such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.
There is no single test to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica. Your healthcare provider will send you for blood tests. They will usually make a diagnosis based on your symptoms combined with your blood test results.
If your healthcare provider is unsure about a diagnosis, they may refer you to see a specialist doctor (rheumatologist) for more tests. This is more likely if you are younger than 50.
Self care for polymyalgia rheumatica
You may be able to limit your symptoms by:
- eating well
- staying physically active — low impact activities such as swimming or walking can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness
- stopping smoking
- conserving energy
- getting enough sleep.
Treating polymyalgia rheumatica
If your healthcare provider diagnoses you with polymyalgia rheumatica, they will start you on a steroid medication called prednisone.
Prednisone — My Medicinesexternal link
The medication works by reducing your inflammation. You should feel improvement quickly, often within a few days. Your healthcare provider will monitor your symptoms and adjust your dose if necessary.
When your symptoms improve, your healthcare provider will gradually reduce your prednisone dose to the lowest dose that keeps you symptom free. Often you will keep taking a low dose of prednisone for several years.
Steroids can reduce your bone density and may cause osteoporosis. They can also cause weight gain.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what you can do to keep your bones strong and maintain your weight.
If your polymyalgia rheumatica does not respond well to prednisone, you may be referred to a specialist (rheumatologist). They may consider other medications.