$Unique_ID{BRK01021}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{What Can be Done For "Polymyalgia Rhematica"?}
$Subject{polymyalgia diagnosis, treatment}
$Volume{M-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can be Done For "Polymyalgia Rhematica"?


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QUESTION:  I have had a terrible time with soreness and aches in my arms and
legs.  I tried aspirin and other pain medicines but they don't work.  My
doctors says it isn't the arthritis I thought I had, but something called
"polymyalgia rhematica."  He wants to give me cortisone, but I am a bit
reluctant.  Would you please advise me what to do?

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ANSWER:  Although it may be a difficult task to tell the difference between
arthritis and polymyalgia, there are a few clues that can help make the
diagnosis.  Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is condition of the muscles rather
than the joints, which are the target of arthritis.  The muscles of the upper
arm, neck and shoulder, and hip are sore and tender to the touch, and are
particularly stiff and painful in the morning upon arising.  Although you may
have some pain when moving your muscles, they are probably as strong as ever.
This disease is more frequent in older people and strikes women twice as often
as men.  About half the patients tell of feeling weak tired and depressed,
while many will also have a fever and weight loss.  While it is painful
disease, it is neither life threatening not life shortening.  There are
several blood tests that help make the diagnosis, and your doctor may inform
you that you have a high sedimentation rate as that is present in almost all
patients with PMR.  This is another disease where we are uncertain about the
cause, and cannot accurately predict the course of the ailment which is very
variable.  Once it starts it can last from six months to a year, but episodes
lasting five years or more are not uncommon.  PMR is often associated with
another condition called temporal arteritis, which would provoke headache,
scalp tenderness and vision disturbances as well.  The good news is that this
disease responds very well to the medication your physician has advised, and
you should not delay taking it.  Corticosteroids (like prednisone) taken
orally, can quickly chase those pains away, sometimes in as little as 24 to 36
hours, but you may have to continue taking the medicine for some time.  The
results of frequent blood tests will help your physician decide when the time
is ripe to reduce or stop your medication.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
