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Polymyalgia rheumatica is a syndrome that causes pain and stiffness in the hips and shoulders of people over the age of 50.
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Polymyalgia means "pain in many muscles". It is usually associated with the condition Polymyalgia rheumatica, a form of pain and stiffness that affects muscle groups throughout the body often simultaneously.
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Women are afflicted twice as often as men.
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If someone has polymyalgia rheumatica, they will more then likely endure stiffness in their neck, hips, and both shoulders. This stiffness will be worse in the morning and after long periods of inactivity. This stiffness will also be followed by limited range of motion in those joints.
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PMR is an acronym for: polymyalgia rheumatica.
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Depending on context, it could mean polymyalgia rheumatica or patient medical report.
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Rarely does it affect people under 50 years old. The average age is 70.
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The major characteristics are pain and stiffness, however patients are commonly so afflicted that their muscles atrophy from disuse.
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Polymyalgia rheumatica has a prevalence of about 0.5% in individuals over the age of 50. It is more common in people of Northern European descent and in women compared to men. The prevalence increases with age, peaking around 70-80 years old.
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A geriatric inflammatory is disorder of the muscles and joints. This is a type of rheumatoid arthritis and is characterized by pain.
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Some patients develop arthritis or a disease called giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis.
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No, it isn't. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition which affects the muscles. This condition is believed to be an autoimmune disorder and is often treated with NSAIDs and corticosteroids.
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There is no clear evidence to suggest that polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is hereditary. While genetics may play a role in some autoimmune disorders, the exact cause of PMR is still unknown. It is not considered to be a directly hereditary condition.
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Osteoarthritis, Gout and pseudogout, Lupus and Polymyalgia rheumatica
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Having enough serotonin definitely helps in coping with the pain of polymyalgia and to be able to focus on what you need to do physically to take care of yourself. Lack of serotonin is more likely a cause of depression, lack of focus on life changes during divorce or other stressful events.
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If polymyalgia rheumatic is severe enough, it can lead to shoulder conditions such as adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). This is a condition where the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and stiff, causing pain and reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint.
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Well, honey, the prognosis of polymyalgia rheumatica is generally good with treatment. Most folks see improvement in their symptoms within a few days to weeks of starting medication. However, it can stick around for a couple of years and have a pesky habit of coming back. Just stay on top of those meds, and you should be strutting your stuff in no time.
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Louis A. Healey has written:
'The systemic manifestations of temporal arteritis' -- subject(s): Complications, Giant cell arteritis, Ocular manifestations of general diseases, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Temporal arteritis
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go to the related link below, (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-Reactive Protein in the Diagnosis of Polymyalgia Rheumatica) in order to shed more light on this subject.
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Temporal arthritis, This disorder may exist alone or at the same time as or following polymyalgia rheumatica. This disorder characterized by the sudden development of pain and stiffness in the pelvis and shoulder muscles. About 25% of those with giant cell arthritis experience polymyalgia rheumatica as well For more information on this illness Go to the related link (temporal arthritis) in the related link below
the inflammation that is a part of Rheumatoid arthritis can have a degenerative effect on the blood vessels of the brain leading to serious consequences,It can also have simar effect on the eyes as well as rheumatoid nodules in some cases.
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Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder involving pain and stiffness in the hip or shoulder area.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsPolymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder that almost always occurs in people over 50 years old. The cause is unknown. Although symptoms are located mainly in the muscles and there are no outward signs of arthritis, in some cases there is evidence of inflammatory arthritis.
The disorder may occur alone, or with or before temporal arteritis, which is an inflammation of blood vessels (usually in the head).
Symptoms- Anemia (low number of red blood cells in the blood)
- Face pain
- Fatigue(excessive tiredness)
- Fever
- Hip pain and stiffness
- Malaise(general ill feeling)
- Muscle pain (minimal, less common than aching)
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Other joint pain
- Shoulder painand stiffness
- Unintentional weight loss
Note: Symptoms usually come on suddenly.
Signs and testsFever may be the only symptom in some cases (the person has a fever for no known reason). There may also be signs of temporal arteritis.
Blood tests are nonspecific.
- Creatine kinase (CPK) is normal
- Hemoglobin or hematocrit may be normal or low
- The sedimentation rate (ESR) is often elevated
The goal of treatment is relief of discomfort and stiffness. The disease can be very bothersome if it is not treated. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are prescribed in low doses.
Expectations (prognosis)Polymyalgia rheumatica usually goes away by itself, even when not treated, in 1 to 4 years. Symptoms diminish greatly with treatment. Most patients need steroid treatment for 1 or more years.
ComplicationsPolymyalgia rheumatica may occur before the onset of giant cell arteritis or other disorders.
Calling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience persistent weakness or stiffness of the pelvis or shoulder, especially if this is accompanied by symptoms of general illness, such as fever or headache.
PreventionThere is no known prevention.
ReferencesUnwin B, Williams CM, Gilliland W. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis.Am Fam Physician; 2006; 74(9):1547-1554.3 answers
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, typically affecting individuals over the age of 50. The duration of symptoms can vary greatly among individuals, lasting from months to several years. However, with appropriate treatment, symptoms can be effectively managed and the condition can go into remission.
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The difference between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) lies in their symptoms and underlying causes. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage. Polymyalgia rheumatica, on the other hand, causes muscle pain and stiffness, primarily in the shoulders and hips, and is related to inflammation of the muscles rather than the joints. To support joint health, especially in conditions like RA, supplements like JointXL Plus can help reduce inflammation and promote joint function. If you're dealing with joint pain, JointXL Plus may be a valuable addition to your routine.
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Polymyalgia rheumatica typically affects the shoulder and hip muscles, leading to pain and stiffness. It does not directly affect the fingers, although some people with the condition may experience stiffness in their hands and fingers due to associated conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
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The word "polymyalgia" can be broken up into its syllables as "pol-y-my-al-gia."
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Fibryomyalgia or polymyalgia.
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True, she did.
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High esr is the result of inflammation somewhere in the system, This test however does not tel you what is responsible for the inflammation. It is however a test used in check in on the amount of inflammation of RA patients.
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Barbara Billingsley died of polymyalgia on October 16, 2010.
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There are so many possible causes for a dull ache in either leg, it would be hard to name them all. If it continues, a doctor should be consulted. It may only be a muscle spasm, but since there are so many possibilities, its best to have a doctor check and be sure it isn't anything more serious.
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An example of a disease that effect the muscular system is Lou Gehrig's in which the muscles become extremely deteriorated overtime so that eventually the muscles in your lungs that allow you to breath aren't able to function anymore and you suffocate.
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Many think that stress causes the aches and other symptoms of autoimmune diseases, of which polymyalgia is one. One cannot always protect themselves from stressful events, people and situations, but you can take steps to relieve the stress once it occurs. Yoga, pilates, walking and deep breathing, meditation and so on help a lot.
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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition which causes inflammation of large muscles. 'Poly' means many, and 'myalgia' means muscle pain. The cause of PMR is not known.
PMR mainly affects people over the age of 65. It is rare in people under 50. About 1 in 1,000 people over the age of 50 develops PMR each year. Women are three times more likely to be affected than men
symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica?
- The most common symptoms are stiffness, pain, aching, and tenderness of the large muscles around the shoulders and upper arms. Quite commonly the muscles around the neck and hips are also affected. The stiffness may be so bad that you may have difficulty turning over in bed, rising from a bed or a chair, or raising your arms above shoulder height (for example, to comb your hair). The stiffness is usually worst first thing in the morning. Getting out of bed may be difficult. The stiffness often eases after an hour or so after getting up from bed and as the day goes on.
- Inflammation and swelling sometimes occur in other 'soft tissues' of the body. For example, tendons may become inflamed (tenosynovitis), your hands or feet may become slightly swollen, and some joints may become slightly swollen.
- Other general symptoms may also occur. These include: tiredness, depression, night sweats, fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Symptoms typically develop over a few days or weeks. However, they develop more slowly in some cases. You may pass it off as 'aches and pains of getting older' when symptoms first start.
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Poly-myalgia rheumatica is usually treated with low doses of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, which help reduce inflammation and pain. In most cases, symptoms improve within a few weeks to months of starting treatment. Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is important to adjust the medication dose as needed and to address any potential side effects.
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ESR is of limited use as a screening test in patients that do not have any symptoms. It is used in the diagnosis of disorders such as polymyalgia rheumatica, multiple myeloma, temporal arteritis, various auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as chronic kidney diseases. In many of these cases, the ESR may exceed 100 mm/hour
It is commonly used for a differential diagnosis for Kawasaki's disease and it may be increased in some chronic infective conditions like tuberculosis and infective endocarditis. It is a component of the PDCAI, an index for assessment of severity of inflammatory bowel disease in children.
The clinical usefulness of ESR is limited to monitoring the response to therapy in certain inflammatory diseases such as temporal arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be used as a crude measure of response in Hodgkin's lymphoma. Additionally, ESR levels are used to define one of the several possible adverse prognostic factors in the staging of Hodgkin's lymphoma. There is also a wintrobe method.
The use of the ESR as a screening test in asymptomatic persons is limited by its low sensitivity and specificity. When there is a moderate suspicion of disease, the ESR may have some value as a "sickness index."
An elevated ESR in the absence of other findings should not trigger an extensive laboratory or radiographic evaluation.
(Sourced fromWikipedia)
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica causes severe aching in both shoulders and both hips and some times in the lower back and neck. Average age of onset is seventy. Quite often PMR happens to people who have been very active all of their lives. The pain can be so severe as to limit ability to exercise. Pain is worse in in bed at night and in the mornings or after sitting down for a while. Usually by noon, the pain lessens, but not always. This is a common experience for people with PMR. Aspirin and other NSAIDS do not have much affect on the pain. Most affective treatment seems to be a form of Cortisone -- often Prednisone -- to control symptoms. Usually the dosage can be low, perhaps 5 to 10 milligrams, but higher doses may be required. With that regimen one is able to lead a normal life, free of pain. However, taking any form of cortisone carries many possible and undesirable risks. (See listed web site for more information on side affects). This condition often resolves or disappears in a year or two. No one knows what causes PMR. It is not really arthritis, but often sufferers call it that. Doctors perform several blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Symptoms are also indicative of the diagnosis. However, patients are usally tested for Lupus during the PMR screening process, as well as the usual arthritis blood test (again see listed websites. Mayo Clinic's web site offers details on the tests used). There can be a more serious side affect of PMR and that is Giant Cell Arteritis which can affect the heart. One should definitely be checked by their doctor if they have the symptoms of Polymyalgia Rhuematica. Here are two great references for this condition -- or two web addresses -- for anyone who wants to know more. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/pmr_new2.asp http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica/DS00441
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Polymialgia Rheumatica - severe muscle pain, cause unknown. For many sufferers, it lasts for about two years with treatment. For some however, it lasts for the remainder of their lives. There is no cure, just treatment with steroids to reduce the inflammation.
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A low erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed. rate or ESR) indicates that inflammation is low in the body "sed". rate or ESR is a measurement of the speed with which red blood cells fall in a test tube of blood. As inflammation in the blood goes up inflammatory substances attach to red blood cells making them heavier and causing them to settle more quickly. In healthy persons with no inflammation the "sed" rate is low. The "sed" rate doesn't point to any particular disease, but is a general indication of the amount of inflammation in the body. In lupus and polymyalgia rheumatica, the ESR often correlates with disease. uric acid being high can indicate anything from kidney problems to a predisposition to high uric acid content in the blood that needs to be monitored.
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A combining form, sometimes called a root of the word, is a part that identifies the thing you are talking about. For example, "encephal/o" would indicate that the word has to do with the brain. The "/o" at the end means that an "o" might be included, depending on whether it is followed by a consonant or vowel.
ElectroENCEPHALOgram has to do with the brain, and is a record (-gram) obtained by measuring electric waves. the "o" is needed b ecause "gram" starts with a consonant.
ENCEPHALitis is inflammation of the brain. No "o" is needed because "itis" starts with a vowel.
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No. These are two very different conditions. First, we need to understand the terminology. "myalgia" refers to pain in muscles, "poly" means multiple areas, and "fibro" refers to the connective tissue and fascia in the body. Clinically, there are a number of differences between the two in the constellation of symptoms, treatments, and outcomes.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is typically confined to the neck, shoulders, arms, hips and thighs and is caused by inflammatory elements in those joints. The cause is not very well understood, but it is very apparent that an inflammatory process is in full swing. Polymyalgia is generally worse in the morning or after extended periods of inactivity. Corticosteroids can be effective at reducing the inflammatory process, and the condition itself will usually last only 1-2 years.
Fibromyalgia has a much more widespread pain pattern, can wax and wane, or can show a wandering pain pattern. There are also a number of conditions which accompany fibromyalgia which include: fatigue, anxiety, depression, endometriosis, headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. The cause seems to be uncertain at this point, but it is fairly well understood that there are changes in how the brain processes and responds to pain signals. There are numerous pharmaceutical therapies to help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but as of yet none have made significant inroads toward eliminating it. There are other ways of reducing or eliminating symptoms which are generally applied though a functional neurology approach.
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Erythrocyte sedimentation rate used to detect and monitor the activity of inflammation as an aid in the diagnosis of the underlying causes of conditions such as especially temporal artheritis or polymyalgia rheumatica. It is considered nonspecific and not diagnostic of any particular disorder.
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. this is a test that indirectly measures the level of inflammation is in the body.
normal readings are
Adults, Westergren method Men under 50 years old-------less than 15 mm/hr
Men over 50 years old-------- less than 20 mm/hr
Women under 50 years old-- less than 20 mm/hr
Women over 50 years old---- less than 30 mm/hr
Children Westergren method,
Newborn--------------------------0 to 2 mm/hr
Neonatal to puberty------------3 to 13 mm/hr
mm/hr. = millimeters per hour
.
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Autoimmune diseases can affect any one of any age. Statistics say that the majority of those affected are woman of childbearing age, between the ages of 20-40. Children can get autoimmune diseases as well as the elderly. Certain diseases like Polymylgia Rheumatica are seen mainly after menopause in women. There is no real clear cut answer to this question as there are exceptions to every rule. It is aso common to get more than one autoimmune disease.
Barbara Yodice, Founder of the Autoimmune Information Network and Multiple Autoimmune Disease Patient
aininc.org
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Giant-cell arteritis (GCA or temporal arteritis or cranial arteritis) or Horton disease is an inflammatory disease of blood vessels most commonly involving large and medium arteries of the head, predominantly the branches of the external carotid artery. It is a form of vasculitis.
The name (giant cell arteritis) reflects the type of inflammatory cell involved[1] as seen on a biopsy.
The terms "giant-cell arteritis" and "temporal arteritis" are sometimes used interchangeably, because of the frequent involvement of the temporal artery. However, it can involve other large vessels (such as the aorta in "giant-cell aortitis"[2]). Giant-cell arteritis of the temporal artery is referred to as "temporal arteritis," and is also known as "cranial arteritis" and "Horton's disease."[3]:840
Signs and symptoms
It is more common in women than in men by a ratio of 2:1 and more common in those of Northern European descent, as well as those residing at higher latitudes. The mean age of onset is >55 years, and it is rare in those less than 55 years of age.
People present with:
bruits
fever
headache[4]
tenderness and sensitivity on the scalp
jaw claudication (pain in jaw when chewing)
tongue claudication (pain in tongue when chewing) and necrosis[5][6]
reduced visual acuity (blurred vision)
acute visual loss (sudden blindness)
diplopia (double vision)
acute tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
polymyalgia rheumatica (in 50%)
The inflammation may affect blood supply to the eye and blurred vision or sudden blindness may occur. In 76% of cases involving the eye, the ophthalmic artery is involved causing arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.[7] Loss of vision in both eyes may occur very abruptly and this disease is therefore a medical emergency.
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Temporal arteritis is inflammation and damage to blood vessels that supply the head area, particularly the large or medium arteries that branch from the neck.
If the inflammation affects the arteries in your neck, upper body and arms, it is called giant cell arteritis.
Alternative NamesArteritis - temporal; Cranial arteritis; Giant cell arteritis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsTemporal, giant cell, and cranial arteritis occur when one or more arteries become inflammed and die.
It most commonly occurs in the head, especially in the temporal arteries that branch off from a blood vessel in the neck called the carotid artery. However, the condition can be a body-wide (systemic) disorder, affecting many medium-to-large sized arteries anywhere in the body.
The cause is unknown but is believed to be partly due to a faulty immune response. The disorder has been associated with severe infections and high doses of antibiotics.
The disorder may develop along with or after polymyalgia rheumatica. Giant cell arteritis is seen almost exclusively in those over 50 years old, but may occasionally occur in younger people. It is rare in people of African descent. There is some evidence that it runs in families.
Symptoms- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- General ill feeling
- Jaw pain, intermittent or when chewing
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Throbbing headache on one side of the head or the back of the head
- Scalp sensitivity, tenderness when touching the scalp
- Vision difficulties
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Reduced vision (blindness in one or both eyes)
- Weakness, excessive tiredness
- Weight loss (more than 5% of total body weight)
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
About 40% of people will have other nonspecific symptoms such as respiratory complaints (most frequently dry cough) or weakness or pain along many nerve areas. Rarely, paralysis of eye muscles may occur. A persistent fever may be the only symptom.
Signs and testsThe doctor will examine your head. Touching the head may show that the scalp is sensitive and has a tender, thick artery on one side. The affected artery may have a weak pulse or no pulse.
Blood tests may include:
- Hemoglobin or hematocrit -- may be normal or low
- Liver function tests -- may be abnormal with high levels of alkaline phosphatase
- Sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein -- almost always very high
Blood tests cannot specifically diagnose this condition. A biopsy and examination of tissue from the affected artery confirm the diagnosis in most cases.
TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to reduce tissue damage that may occur because of lack of blood flow.
Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroid treatment may be started even before a biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Aspirin may also be recommended.
Medications that suppress the immune system are occasionally prescribed.
Expectations (prognosis)Most people make a full recovery, but long-term treatment (for 1 to 2 years or longer) may be needed. The condition may return at a later date.
ComplicationsPossible complications, especially if not treated properly or promptly, include:
Side effects from steroid or immune-suppressing medications may also occur.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have persistent throbbing headache and other symptoms of temporarl arteritis.
PreventionThere is no known prevention.
ReferencesPaget SA, Spiera RF. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Temporal Arteritis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 292.
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No, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two different things with different symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, while psoriatic arthritis is a complication of psoriasis.
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Lupus, Lyme Disease, Adult Onset Still's Disease, Marfan Syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Mycotic Arthritis, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, Osteitis Deformans, Aseptic Necrosis, Osteoarthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Osteonecrosis, Basal Joint Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Behcet's Disease, Bursitis, Paget's Disease of Bone, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Palindromic Rheumatism, Celiac Disease, Polyarteritis Nodosa, CMC Arthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Complex Regional Pain, Polymyositis, Costochondritis, Pseudogout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, Degenerative Joint Disease, Dermatomyositis, Reiter's Syndrome, Discoid Lupus, Erythematosus, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Rheumatic Fever, Eosinophilic Fasciitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Felty Syndrome, Scleroderma, Fibro myalgia, Septic Arthritis, Fifth Disease, Sjogren's Syndrome, Forestier Disease, Somatotroph Adenoma, Fungal Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Gaucher Disease, Takayasu Arteritis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Temporal Arteritis Gonococcal Arthritis, Tendonitis, Gout, Tietze's Syndrome, Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, TMJ / TMD, Infectious Arthritis, Tuberculous Arthritis. Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Joint Hyper mobility, Vasculitis, Juvenile Arthritis, Viral Arthritis, Kawasaki Disease, Wegener's Granulomatosis, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease,
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Rheumatism is a non-specific term used to describe any painful disorder affecting the loco-motor system including joints, muscle" class='external' title="http://www.answers.com/topic/muscle, connective tissue" class='external' title="http://www.answers.com/topic/connective tissue, soft tissue" class='external' title="http://www.answers.com/topic/soft tissue around the joints and bones. The term rheumatism is also used to describe rheumatic fever affecting heart valves. However, the medical profession use specific terms to describe rheumatological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis" class='external' title="http://www.answers.com/topic/rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis" class='external' title="http://www.answers.com/topic/ankylosing spondylitis, gout" class='external' title="http://www.answers.com/topic/gout and discoid lupus erythematosus" class='external' title="http://www.answers.com/topic/discoid lupus erythematosus and so on in the medical literature.
(Anwers.com)
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Avascular Necrosis
Behçet's Syndrome
Bursitis
Cervical Spondylosis
CREST Syndrome
Dupuytren's Disease
Fibromyalgia
Gout
Lupus
Infectious Arthritis
Neurogenic Arthropathy
Polymyalgia Rheumatica / Giant Cell Arteritis
Pseudogout
Psoriatic Arthritis
Reactive Arthritis
Reiter's Syndrome
Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scleroderma
Sjögren's Syndrome
Spondylitis
Still's Disease
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Tendinitis / Tendonitis
Vasculitis
Wegener's Granulomatosis
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