Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the muscles around the shoulders, hips, and upper back.
It is a relatively rare condition, affecting only about 1 in every 1000 people. However, if you are one of the unlucky few who suffer from it, it is important to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 common symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatic.
What Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica
The inflammatory condition polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR) causes muscle stiffness and pain. The cause of PMR is unknown, but it is thought to be related to autoimmune disease.
PMR typically affects older adults, and women are more likely to develop the condition than men.
10 Symptoms Of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
The symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms that many people experience. Here are ten of the most common polymyalgia rheumatic symptoms:
- Pain and stiffness in the muscles, especially in the shoulders, neck, and hips
- Difficulty moving around or even getting out of bed
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Appetite weight loss
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Morning stiffnessÂ
- Anemia
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (poor circulation in the hands and feet)
- Subcutaneous nodules (lumps under the skin)
Diagnosis
Because the symptoms are similar symptoms to those of many other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosing and treating PMR can be difficult.
If you think you may have polymyalgia rheumatica, it is important to see your doctor so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.
Early diagnosis and treatment of PMR are essential in preventing serious complications. With proper treatment, most people with PMR can live normal, active lives.
Causes of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
There are many theories about what causes PMR, but the cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is still unknown, as it could either be caused by genetic or environmental factors.
Some possible causes include:
Autoimmune disease
This occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy surrounding tissues.
Infection
A viral or bacterial infection may trigger the development of PMR.
Inflammation
This is a normal response of the body to injury or infection, but in PMR, it occurs for unknown reasons.
Genetics
PMR may be more common in people who have certain genes that make them more susceptible to the condition.
Other possible causes include:
Several things can cause polymyalgia to flare up, including:
- Aging process
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Weather changes
- Hormonal changes
- Infections
- Certain medications
Treatment For Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a treatable condition, so don’t hesitate to seek medical help if you think you may have it.
There is no known cure for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). However, there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms and improve quality of life. Some common treatments include:
Corticosteroid Treatment
These are rheumatic-inflammatory medications with low-dose corticosteroids that can be taken orally or injected directly into the affected area.
To keep their symptoms from returning, most people with polymyalgia rheumatica will need a course of corticosteroid treatment that lasts 18 months to 2 years.
Rheumatoid factor (RF)
The goal of treatment for rheumatoid factor (RF) is to reduce pain, inflammation, and fatigue while also easing stiffness, achiness, and fever.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
These are a type of medication that can help slow the progression of the disease.
Physical Therapy
This can help improve range of motion and decrease pain.
Occupational Therapy
This can help with activities of daily living and make necessary accommodations for those with PMR.
If you think you may be at risk for developing polymyalgia rheumatica, speak to your doctor about what steps you can take to prevent it.
Risk Factors For Developing Polymyalgia Rheumatica
There are a few risk factors associated with developing polymyalgia rheumatica.Â
Age
The condition is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 50.
Gender
Another is gender, as women are more likely to be diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica than men.Â
Family History
Having a family history of the condition increases one’s risk.
What Foods Trigger Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as everybody reacts differently to different foods. Home common triggers have been identified. These include:
Nightshade vegetables
Tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant are all part of the nightshade family. These vegetables contain a chemical called solanine, which can trigger inflammation in some people.
Gluten
This protein is found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten can cause inflammation and other symptoms.
Sugar
Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, both of which are risk factors for developing polymyalgia rheumatica.
If you think that one of these foods may be triggering your symptoms, talk to your doctor about eliminating it from your diet and see if your symptoms improve. Remember, everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. Be sure to work with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan that is right for you.
Can Polymyalgia Rheumatica Affect Your Legs
Yes, polymyalgia rheumatica can affect your legs. The pain and stiffness of the condition can make it difficult to walk or even stand. In some cases, the person may also experience weakness in the legs. This can make it difficult to do everyday activities such as going up and down the stairs.Â
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that causes inflammation in the muscles and joints. It usually affects people over the age of 50. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an autoimmune reaction.
Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica usually involves taking medication to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be required.Â
If you think you may have polymyalgia rheumatica, it is important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica, there are some things you can do to help manage the condition:
- Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor
- Get regular exercise
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid smoking
- Reduce stress levels as much as possible
Conclusion
While there is no cure for PMR, the above treatments can help improve symptoms and quality of life. It is important to work with a healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
If you or someone you know has polymyalgia rheumatic there are treatments available that can help. Corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), physical therapy, and occupational therapy can all improve symptoms and quality of life. Work with a healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is right for you or your loved one.
