About Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia Rheumatica is an inflammatory condition characterized by muscle pain and stiffness in various parts of the body to include shoulders, neck, arms, and hips which are the most common areas affected by this disorder. The symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica have a sudden onset and are worse in the morning and gets better as the day goes on. This condition normally affects people above the age of 60 and is extremely rare in people under the age of 50. Females tend to get affected by polymyalgia rheumatica than males.
Temporal arteritis is a medical condition that is often associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. Temporal arteritis causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the neck and arms resulting in pain. While there are many treatments available to calm down the symptoms of this condition, the question remains as to whether there is any permanent fix for Polymyalgia Rheumatica.
Is There A Cure For Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
As of now, there is no cure for Polymyalgia Rheumatica. However, with timely medical intervention, the symptoms can be resolved within a day of their onset. The frontline treatment for Polymyalgia Rheumatica is steroids given to decrease inflammation and calm down the pain.
While corticosteroids are extremely effective in treating the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica, constant use of corticosteroids can result in development of various medical conditions like hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, depression, significant weight gain, and osteoporosis. Thus, it is imperative that while on steroids the patient with polymyalgia rheumatica takes calcium and vitamin D supplements. The patient is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly to maintain adequate strength and range of motion of the joints. Restriction of salt intake and eating a well balanced diet is also extremely important for individuals with Polymyalgia Rheumatica to prevent hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a condition which can only be managed by medications, supplements, lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise. There is no permanent cure for it.
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