Polymyalgia Rheumatica - Information - Symptoms - Treatment
Information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). PMR causes stiffness and aching of the muscles around the neck, shoulders and hips. Those with PMR also may develop other types of arthritis or have a condition called Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA).
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic disorder that is associated with moderate to severe muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and hip area. Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis and cranial arteritis, is a disorder that results in swelling of arteries in the head, neck, and arms.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder involving pain and stiffness in the hip or shoulder area. Although symptoms are located predominantly in the muscles and there are no outward signs of arthritis, in some cases there is evidence of inflammatory arthritis. PMR may occur independently, or it may coexist with or precede giant cell arteritis (GCA).
An overview of the symptoms and diagnosis of Polymyalgia Rheumatica.
The goal of treatment is relief of discomfort and stiffness. The disease can be very bothersome if it is not treated. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are prescribed in low doses. Polymyalgia rheumatica usually resolves by itself, even when not treated, in 1 to 4 years. Symptoms diminish greatly with treatment.
Fact sheet about PMR. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common cause of widespread aching and stiffness in older adults. It can be difficult to diagnose because it rarely causes swollen joints or other abnormalities on physical exam. It may occur with another condition, giant cell arteritis, from ACR.
Information on PMR, the cause is unknown, but there seems to be a genetic background and an immune mechanism. The condition has some relationship to Giant cell arteritis - also known as temporal arteritis, from drdoc.
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) frequently affect the same types of people. The diseases may occur independently or in the same patient, from Cleveland Clinic.
