What Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes widespread aching and stiffness, particularly in older adults. The precise cause is unknown. Some researchers believe that polymyalgia rheumatica may be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy connective tissues. Genetic and environmental factors (such as infections) are thought to play a role in its development.
The areas of the body most affected by polymyalgia rheumatica are the neck, upper arms, lower back and upper thighs. While the discomfort often resembles muscle pain, many experts believe that its source is actually inflammation in the shoulder and hip joints, and therefore the pain felt in the upper arms and thighs is referred from nearby joints.
What Are the Symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
The symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica tend to come on quickly, often over a few days or weeks. Usually, both sides of the body are equally affected. The achiness generally worsens with rest and improves with physical activity. In some cases, severe stiffness leads to:
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty getting dressed (for instance, it can be difficult to raise the arms to put on a jacket or bend over to put on socks and shoes)
- Difficulty standing up from a seating position or getting out of a car
Polymyalgia rheumatica can also cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite and unintended weight loss.
How Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treated?
Treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica focuses on reducing inflammation and easing stiffness, achiness, fatigue and fever. These symptoms can often be effectively managed with a combination of:
- Medication – Corticosteroids are the mainstay of polymyalgia rheumatica treatment. With a relatively low dose of these powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, the symptoms typically improve quickly. Mild symptoms can also be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Physical activity – Regular exercise can be helpful for maintaining joint flexibility, muscle strength and function. Some particularly beneficial activities include walking, cycling and swimming.
- Rest – Sufficient sleep is important to allow the body time to heal and recover.
Polymyalgia rheumatica often resolves on its own, but the process can take up to five years or longer.
The Important Role of a Specialist
As a complex condition that is not yet well understood, polymyalgia rheumatica can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Therefore, it’s best to consult with an experienced specialist. In Houston, TX, you will find the necessary expertise at Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Contact us to request an appointment with a rheumatologist today.


-
1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
AOSM Physical Therapy
-
2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
AOSM Physical Therapy -
3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
-
4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
-
5Woodlands Location
What Our Patients Are Saying
Dr. Patel is one of the best Doctors I have ever had. She is pretty good at her job. She makes it plain and simple. She is also very thoughtful. I was very glad to have met her.

I’ve been with this orthopedic group since 2014. I’ve never had a bad experience with the doctors or the staff. Dr. Drew Fehsenfeld did my shoulder surgery in 2016 and he did great!

Dr. David R. Mack replaced my right hip in June 2009, and my left in October 2010. I am already able to go places and do things on my own again.

Thanks for the help on strengthening my legs after the back surgery, There was no pain shooting down the back of my legs after surgery. I am recovering well with no pain medications after seven days.

Advanced Orthopaedics is the absolute best PT I’ve ever gone through. The significance in my hip is just part of it.

I had Back surgery October 1st with fusion. My surgeon was Dr. M Cubbage and my experience I feel could not be any more satisfied with my surgery.

Dr. Ryan Blalock is AMAZING! He went above and beyond to fix my 8 year old son’s severely broken arm with emergency surgery.

I have been fighting chronic knee pain for ten years following a knee replacement, a bone infection, and subsequent knee revision surgery. After a number of failed solutions to pain relief, Dr. Patel introduced me to RF

Completing forms online beforehand was quick and simple. I arrived 30 minutes prior to my appointment as requested, and was pleasantly surprised to be summonsed less than 10 minutes from arrival.

Dr. Patel has been great at my pain relief. She doesn’t force me to take any meds I don’t want, or injections. She will give me the injection I want when I need it. Great friendly Doctor.
