Polymyalgia Rheumatica-Symptoms and Causes
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition of joints usually seen in older adults associated with stiffness, pain, and flu-like symptoms. This condition mostly affects older men of Caucasian descent. It is a self-limiting disease and mostly lasts between 1-5 years.
Polymyalgia rheumatica usually affects the shoulder and is worse in the morning. Giant cell arteritis affects around 15% of people who are already affected by polymyalgia rheumatica or PMR gives rise to a set of new symptoms like a headache, sensitive scalp, jaw pain, and vision difficulties.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of PMR are usually symmetric, affecting both sides of the body and includes the following symptoms :
- Pain in shoulders
- Pain in the forearm, neck, buttocks, thighs or hips.
- Stiffness in affected parts particularly in the morning or after rest
- A range of movement affected
- Pain and stiffness along the wrist, knees, and elbows.
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Depression
Causes:
The actual cause of PMR is still unknown, however, the following conditions are considered as causative factors for the development of PMR in an individual:
- Genetic
- Environmental factors
Risk factors:
The risk factors for developing PMR include the following:
- Age, PMR mostly affects older adults. The old people are at higher risk, especially people between the age of 70-80 years.
- Men are at higher risk of developing polymyalgia rheumatica than women.
- PMR is mostly seen in people with North European or Caucasian descent. It rarely affects people of other origins.
Complications:
The discomforts caused by the disease hinders with the ability to do daily work such as:
- Starting to do work after rest like to get out of bed after sleep, or get out of a car or even standing up from a chair is very painful and difficult.
- Combing hair becomes very difficult as the scalp becomes very sensitive. Even the slightest touch is very painful and distressing.
- Getting dressed is very difficult as the joints and muscles have become stiff and painful.
- Giant cell arteritis
The difficulties can affect social interaction, sleep, and general wellbeing.
When to see a doctor:
If you experience pain and stiffness along that are:
- New
- Disturbs your sleep
- Limit the ability to do daily activities
If you experience the following conditions then visit your doctor.
Lifestyle modifications to relief symptoms :
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Get adequate rest
- Take medicines as prescribed by the doctor
- Exercise as advised by the doctor