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Polymyalgia Rheumatica – Signs and Management

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that triggers aches in muscle groups, stiffness of joints, and bone pain. It is quite prevalent among adults over the age of 70 and can last for a couple of years, depending on the severity and intensity of the condition. It is still unclear why the condition develops in the first place, but certain genetic factors and environmental exposure increase the risk of this condition.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica – Signs and Management

Risk factors of polymyalgia rheumatica
Older adults between the ages of 70 and 80 are at high risk of developing the condition. Also, women are more likely to develop this disorder.

Early signs of polymyalgia rheumatica
Inflammation of vital joints and tissue can cause pain and discomfort as the condition progresses into the advanced stages. These are common signs and symptoms that develop in no specific pattern.

Aches and pain
Persistent aching or continuous pain can develop in the shoulders, neck region, upper arms, buttocks, or even lower body affecting the hips and thighs. The pain develops in an erratic pattern and sometimes affects either or both sides of the body.

Stiffness
Pain and inflammation can force a person to become inactive, and this lack of physical activity further triggers stiffness of vital joints and connective tissues. Stiffness will further limit the range of motion and impact flexibility.

Malaise and fatigue
A general feeling that something is not right and constant fatigue are symptoms that can rapidly develop alongside pain and discomfort. Often, people develop a fever with loss of appetite and unexplained tiredness.

Depression
Living in a constant state of illness can trigger depression, among other behavioral shifts, when the conditions progress.

New pain
Any new pain or discomfort that develops abruptly without an explanation, disrupts one’s sleep or limits one’s physical movements affecting one’s range of motion, is a warning sign that the condition is progressing.

Polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosis
Once the symptoms are assessed, doctors will run a series of tests to confirm the prevalence of this condition.

Physical examination and tests
Specialist doctors called rheumatologists will first conduct a physical exam to assess the extent of pain and discomfort triggered by the condition. Inflammation of the joints, stiffness in the general region, and range of motion are necessary to assess here.

Blood tests
The next step is to check blood composition for inflammatory markers. Certain C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate markers indicate the progression of polymyalgia rheumatica. If the quantity of proteins or sedimentation rate is high, it indicates a positive diagnosis.

Imaging tests
In addition to blood tests, doctors will also suggest magnetic resource imaging (MRI) to identify and rule out other conditions that may result in similar symptoms. These scans can also highlight the areas of pain with certain tracers used for identifying inflammation and swelling of joints.

Doctors will also actively monitor for giant cell arteritis as a further biopsy may be required to confirm the presence of this condition. Doctors remove a small sample of the artery under local anesthesia that will be further evaluated for inflammatory markers.

Polymyalgia rheumatica treatment
Once diagnosis confirms the presence of this condition, rheumatologists can plan an elaborate treatment option to prevent the pain and discomfort from flaring up.

Prescription for pain management
Specialist prescriptions will be suggested for regular use. A low-dose course is advised, and the dosage is adjusted depending on the progression of the symptoms. Certain prescription treatments are effective in countering inflammation and preventing further flares. Alternatively, a course of anti-inflammatory prescriptions will be added to the list to better manage symptoms. In mild to moderate cases of polymyalgia rheumatica, prescriptions will suffice for symptom management and prevention of flare-ups.

Vitamins for polymyalgia rheumatica
A deficiency of calcium and vitamin D is also bad for joint health, especially if the condition is already diagnosed in the early stages. Adults require a minimum of 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 600 to 800 international units of vitamin D to help the body better absorb this calcium. Vitamin supplements can boost immunity and bone function as part of the ongoing treatment.

Immune suppressing prescriptions
Doctors may also suggest certain immune-suppressing prescriptions that inhibit the triggers of inflammation linked to the condition.

Physical therapy
Physical activity helps the body release feel-good hormones called endorphins and enables the joints and muscle tissue to maintain cell integrity and structure.

Natural home remedies for polymyalgia rheumatica
There are many self-care ideas and natural remedies that patients can explore to ease pain further and prevent flare-ups. Remedies include a combination of healthy changes in daily nutrition, like including foods rich in calcium and vitamin D that support bone health. It is highly advisable to eliminate sodium-rich or processed trigger foods. Regular exercise is also necessary to overcome physical pain and stiffness while promoting a better movement of joints and connective tissues. Rest is equally important for the bones and muscles to heal. For severe cases of rheumatica, doctors also advise using assist devices for walking and standing or while doing daily activities.

Remember, in any event, if the symptoms flare up when the treatments are ineffective, it is necessary to consult with the rheumatologist to understand changes that may prove to be more effective. Simple self-care and timely doctor visits can help manage even severe forms of polymyalgia rheumatica.

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