Polymyalgia Rheumatica And What You Should Know

An inflammatory disorder that causes pain in the muscles, as well as stiffness, is called polymyalgia rheumatica. Symptoms and signs of this disorder will often be a lot worse in the morning. People who are over the age of 65 are more likely to develop this condition. Polymyalgia rheumatica rare affects people under 50 years of age.

This disorder is related to another inflammatory condition that is called giant cell arteritis. This condition will cause scalp tenderness, vision difficulties, pain in the jaw, and headaches. It is possible to have both of these conditions at the same time, so talk to a rheumatologist in Brisbane like arthritisCARE, or visit a local doctor.

Stiffness and pain are the main symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica

What are the symptoms?

Usually, the symptoms and signs of this disorder will happen on both sides of your body. These symptoms can include:

• Pain and aches in your shoulders, upper arms, buttocks, neck and hips or thighs.
• Stiffness in the areas that are affected, especially in the morning (of after a time of being inactive).
• Stiffness or pain in the elbows, knees and wrists.
• Limited range of motion in the areas that are affected.

However, there are also some more general symptoms that you could be experiencing:

• Mild fever.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• A feeling of being unwell.
• Depression,
• Unintended weight loss.

When to see a doctor?

It is important to know when it is time to see your doctor. A lot of people tend to hold off the inevitable, which can cause a lot of damage. As soon as you feel as if there is something wrong with your health, you should visit a polymyalgia rheumatica specialist in Brisbane at arthritisCARE or search for a local doctor instead.

What is the cause?

The exact cause of this disorder is still unknown. However, two factors seem to be involved in the development of this condition. The first are genetics. It was shown that certain genes as well as gene variations could increase your chances of having polymyalgia rheumatica. The second one is environmental exposure.

There are new studies that show that polymyalgia rheumatica tends to in cycles, as they could develop seasonally. This means that there is an environmental trigger, like a virus, that could be the trigger. However, there is no specific virus that was actually proven to cause polymyalgia rheumatica. Whatever the case might be, you should always visit your doctor if you feel sudden pain and stiffness.

If pain is making your daily activities difficult, visit your doctor

Final word

Polymyalgia rheumatica shares some similarities with other diseases, such as giant cell arteritis. People who have one of these diseases, could have symptoms of the other disease as well. Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory disease as well, and as the symptoms are very similar to polymyalgia rheumatica, sometimes it can be difficult to know what is the root of the problem.

Wayne Whitehurst