What Is Polymyalgia Rheumatic?
The disorder, polymyalgia rheumatica causes stiffness and pain in different body parts of your body. Few parts that are commonly affected by polymyalgia rheumatica are:
- Hips.
- Thighs.
- Arms.
- Neck.
- Shoulders.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is commonly observed in individuals over 50 years of age. What exactly causes the disorder is unknown till date, though; women develop polymyalgia rheumatic more as compared to men.
What Are The Symptoms Of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
Stiffness and pain in the shoulders and neck are two of its common symptoms. They tend to begin in these areas, slowly affecting some other body parts such as thighs and hips.
- Limited motion range.
- Low-grade fever.
- Depression.
- Considerable weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Anemia.
In most instances, symptoms of the disorder start abruptly, within a week or two.
When Is The High Time To Consult A Doctor?
Call up for an appointment if you notice:
- Pains, stiffness or aches.
- If the symptoms disturb your sleep.
- If the symptoms have managed to limit your physical activities to perform day to day simple tasks such as changing clothes or climbing down stairs.
What Causes Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
What exactly causes the disorder tends to remain a mystery till date; however researchers believe the involvement of genetic factors in its instigation. Furthermore, latest research has also point out the environmental triggers for example virus to play a role, however none of the both factors are proven to source polymyalgia rheumatica.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
Few factors identified for increasing the chances of polymyalgia rheumatic are:
- Sex: females are more likely to experience polymyalgia rheumatica as compared to men, say twice times more!
- Age: the disorder is observed to be more common in older adults, around 80-90%.
What Are The Potential Complications Of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
Symptoms associated with the disorder can significantly affect the physical abilities of the patient to carry out simple day to day tasks. Such complications can affect physical activities, social interactions, and overall health of the patient.
How is Polymyalgia Rheumatica diagnosed?
The doctor will need complete details regarding your symptoms. He or she will conduct a thorough physical exam and will suggest the following tests:
- Blood tests.
- Imaging tests.
These tests will reveal the exact cause leading the stiffness and pain.
How Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treated?
Majority individuals with the disorder feel better within several days of its treatment, though few tend to relapse. Such individuals are provided with additional medical treatment.
Besides, few treatment options of Polymyalgia Rheumatica include:
- Corticosteroid.
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements.
- Physical therapy.
- Other medications such as anti-TNF drugs and Methotrexate (Trexall).
A number of complications are reported to be associated with corticosteroid treatment; however, certain lifestyle changes can greatly help in coping such as: - Add more fruits and fresh vegetables to your diet chart.
- Regular exercising is important, ask your doctor regarding the suitable exercises you must perform daily in order to strengthen your muscles and bone.
By : Natural Health News
