Polymyalgia Rheumatica, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Diseases

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorderIt causes severe bilateral pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder. The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is not known. But it is associated with immune system problemsSymptoms often include fever, a general feeling of malaiseThere is weight loss and prolonged muscle and joint achesPain in the shoulder and pelvic girdle develops suddenly or over weeks.
The average mean onset especially in Northern Europeans is 72 years of agePMR is diagnosed with a raised ESR and CRP and evidence of synovitisMost cases of polymyalgia rheumatica is associated with Giant cell arteritisGlucocorticosteroids are the only known effective treatmentLong term use of steroid requires proper medical management-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the Polymyalgia rheumaticaA Healthy Lifestyle1.
Take a well Balanced Diet2. Glucocorticosteroids are the only known effective treatment for Polymyalgia rheumatica. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are of little value for the management of this disease. Lack of complete response to recommended doses of prednisone, as well as atypical clinical features (younger age, muscle weakness, peripheral joint disease and predominance of pain with little or no stiffness), should lead to consideration of alternative diagnoses.
There is little evidence for the efficacy of steroid-sparing agents - e.g., methotrexate or anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. Methotrexate is the most commonly used corticosteroid sparing agentManage any residual physical or psychosocial disability caused by the disease. Patients with PMR are frequently elderly and may have mobility problems and difficulty with many aspects of daily living. Many patients will benefit from referral to a physiotherapist and occupational therapist for assessment.
Monitor response to steroid treatment by:a. Improvements in symptoms: morning stiffness, proximal hip and girdle pain, disability related to PMRb. Adverse events including osteoporotic stress fractures3. Keep bones and body strongBone marrow produces our bloodEat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables. Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk.
Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruitsZinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and SleepAvoid stress and tension5. Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2oe hours a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week.
Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone. Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.7. Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply and healing. Chapter 1Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition of unknown cause which is characterized by severe bilateral pain and morning stiffness of the shoulder, neck and pelvic girdleThere is some controversy as to whether or not PMR represents a form of giant cell arteritis (GCA).
However, the balance of evidence would appear to suggest that they are two distinct and relatively common diseases which often co-exist and which share many common features. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Polymyalgia Rheumatica...