Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a debilitating condition
with inflammation of the muscles of the neck shoulders hips
and thighs.
It is not known what causes it to occur although it often
develops after a "flu-like" viral infection. The
majority of people affected are over the age of fifty with
more women effected than men.
The pain and stiffness in these muscles builds up over a
week or two making it very difficult to function properly.
Climbing stairs, walking, and getting in and out of the
bath all become uncomfortable or impossible to do and many
previously active people suddenly find themselves housebound.
In severe cases of PMR the pain may mean that someone becomes
bed-bound.
The symptoms are worse first thing in the morning and after
sitting down for a long time. Many people also suffer extreme
tiredness, weight loss and generally feeling unwell. Dramatic
relief of symptoms
Prednisolone a steroid is the usual form of treatment and
can bring rapid and dramatic improvements. They work by
reducing the inflammation often within 48 hours of starting
treatment.
The ESR, which measures the level of inflammation in the
body, is an important measurement as an indicator of how
well the treatment is working. This enables the doctor to
adjust the dose of treatment as necessary.
Some medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
(e.g. ibuprofen) may also be of help but can cause irritation
and in some cases ulceration to the stomach.
Other treatments such as Acupuncture and Homoeopathy can
help with the inflammation and more conventional treatments
such as Physiotherapy can improve the function of the muscles
once the pain and stiffness is relieved.
Arnica, ginger, and cod liver oil are all natural ways
of reducing inflammation and can be of benefit. Always remember
to let your doctor know if you are also taking treatments
such as these.
Often people can remain on a minimal dose of medication
for about two years.
The dose is kept at a minimum, as one of the possible problems
of steroids over a prolonged time is that the bones can
thin and cause osteoporosis to develop. Plenty of calcium
and vitamin D in the diet can help as well as weight bearing
exercises such as brisk walking when the inflammation allows.
When PMR eventually burns itself out the medication is no
longer needed. This however must always be done under supervision
of the doctor. Nobody should ever reduce or stop their steroid
medication without consulting their doctor first.
PMR facts...
A debilitating inflammatory condition
Cause unknown
It often follows "flu-like" illness
Usually affects people over 50's
Men are affected less often than women are
Steroid medication treats symptoms quickly
It eventually burns itself out
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