|
|
|
|
|
|
What is polymyalgia rheumatica and who does it affect?
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition which causes inflammation of large muscles. 'Poly' means many, and 'myalgia' means muscle pain. The exact cause of PMR is not known.
PMR mainly affects people over the age of 50. It is rare in people under 50. About 4 in 10,000 people over the age of 60 develop PMR each year. The average age of patients is 74. Women are three times more likely to be affected than men. There is also a higher incidence among Caucasians than any other ethnic group.
What are the symptons of polymyalgia rheumatica?
The usual symptoms are stiffness, pain, aching and tenderness of the large muscle groups especially around the shoulders, hips, pelvis and back. The stiffness is usually worst first thing in the morning or after resting. Getting out of bed may be very difficult. The stiffness often eases a little the day goes on.
Inflammation and swelling sometimes occurs in other 'soft tissues' of the body. For example, tendons may become inflamed (tenosynovitis), your hands or feet may become slightly swollen, and some joints may also become slightly swollen.
Other general symptoms may also occur. These include weakness, tiredness, depression, night sweats, mild fevers (occasionally), generally feeling ill, loss of appetite and weight loss.
What is the treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica?
A steroid medicine such as prednisolone is the usual treatment. Steroids work by reducing inflammation. Treatment usually works quickly, within a few days. After starting treatment, the improvement in symptoms over 2-3 days is often quite dramatic.
Treatment is usually started with a medium dose - usually about 15 mg per day. This is then reduced gradually to a lower 'maintenance' dose. It may take several months to gradually reduce the dose. The maintenance dose needed to keep symptoms away varies from person to person. Usually it is between 5 and 8 mg per day.
You are likely to need treatment for at least two years. In some people the condition goes away, so the tablets can be stopped after 2-3 years. However, many people need treatment for several years, sometimes for life. If you stop taking the steroid tablets too soon, the symptoms return.
We are constantly updating this site. Please bookmark or visit again to see if we have added anything new in this section.
|
|
|
|
|
|
