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About Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
PMR is an inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. It’s most common in people over 65 and is more common in women. If left untreated, PMR can interfere with mobility.
PMR is very treatable and should not be confused with fibromyalgia. For most people, PMR goes away with treatment after 1 to 2 years. PMR is related to another inflammatory condition called Giant Cell Arteritis.
What causes PMR?
The exact cause of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is unknown, but it’s thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, may trigger PMR. The aging process may contribute to the onset of PMR.
How is PMR diagnosed?
A GP generally will perform a physical exam, take a medical history, order blood tests and any relevant imaging then refer you to a Rheumatologist who specialises in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and other diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles.
Physical exam: looking at joints and skin, listening to the lungs, feeling the abdomen; examining the eyes.
Medical history: asking about symptoms, what makes them worse or better, when they started and any family history.
Blood tests: Inflammatory markers: C-Reactive Protein (CRP); Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR); Antibody screening: Rheumatoid Factor (RF); Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP).
Imaging tests: ultrasound.
How is PMR managed?
Early diagnosis and treatment can increase your chances of quickly recovering from the condition. PMR can be treated with low doses of corticosteroids, rest and exercise, and physical therapy.
Remaining active, eating a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, not smoking and reducing stress.
What are the most common symptoms of PMR?
Symptoms of PM may begin quickly or come on over several days to weeks.
- Pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, upper arms, and hips
- Symptoms are usually worse in the morning or after resting
- Extreme tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Swelling of the hands or wrists
- Mild fevers
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
About one in five people with polymyalgia rheumatica may also develop a serious condition called giant cell arteritis or GCA. In this condition, the blood vessels, usually on the side of the head, become inflamed. It is diagnosed by looking at a small piece of blood vessel from your forehead (a biopsy) under a microscope.
If it is not treated giant cell arteritis can cause permanent damage, such as blindness. If you have headaches, blurred or double vision, pain in the jaw muscles when chewing or the side of your head is sore to touch or swollen, you should see your doctor straight away.