Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is characterised by widespread muscle pain, particularly affecting elderly individuals. At ArthritisCARE, our seasoned professionals take a holistic and personalised approach to care, creating comprehensive polymyalgia rheumatica treatment plans

What is PMR?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the major joints and their surrounding tissues. Predominantly affecting the shoulder, neck, and hip regions, this condition results in all-over body aches, pain and stiffness. PMR is most commonly seen in older adults.

Giant cell arteritis and PMR

A minority of PMR patients (approximately one in five) may develop a complication known as giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis.

Giant cell arteritis results from inflammation of blood vessels, typically on the side of your head, leading to decreased blood flow. Immediate medical attention is crucial for symptoms like persistent headaches, severe headaches, vision changes such as double vision, pain in the jaw while eating, or sore and swollen sides of your head.

polymyalgia rheumatica treatment

ArthritisCARE offers polymyalgia rheumatica treatment when you are suffering stiffness and pain in the larger joints of your body, such as the shoulders, hips and neck.

What causes polymyalgia rheumatica in Australia?

The exact cause of PMR is currently not known. Theories suggest that it is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues, resulting in inflammation, pain and stiffness. Environmental factors, like infections or potential genetic contributors, are currently being studied as potential triggers for the development of PMR.

polymyalgia rheumatica treatment

One of the biggest challenges to diagnosing and managing PMR is the diverse range of symptoms that move beyond just painful joints or muscles.

What are polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms?

PMR symptoms can develop rapidly, sometimes overnight or in just a few days. Although PMR is most often associated with generalised muscle pain and stiffness, it can also present with a diverse range of symptoms. This makes PMR challenging to diagnose and, at times, manage effectively.

Other symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica include:

  • Symmetric (same joints or muscles on either side of your body) pain and stiffness, notably in upper arms, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and thighs.
  • Muscle tension, stiffness or pain especially first thing in the morning.
  • Prolonged inactivity, such as sitting or lying down worsens pain and stiffness.
  • Flu-like illness such as low-grade fevers or weakness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Sleep disturbances due to discomfort.
  • Unintentional weight loss and decreased appetite.
  • Challenges in raising arms above shoulders.
  • Decreased muscle strength.
  • Difficulties in simple daily life tasks, like putting on shoes or standing up from a seated position.

Experience Personalised Rheumatology Care That Puts Your Needs First

How is PMR diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica. Instead, the diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach that includes a physical examination, an assessment of your reported symptoms like pain and morning stiffness, a review of your family medical history, and multiple blood tests.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP), can indicate increased inflammation levels. However, they may appear as normal blood tests even in people with polymyalgia rheumatica. The primary reason for blood tests is to exclude other forms of arthritis, autoimmune disorders, or a different inflammatory disorder like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).

Our Rheumatologists at ArthritisCARE are polymyalgia rheumatica specialists, distinguishing PMR from other similar conditions, such as RA, and ensuring accurate diagnosis and management.

polymyalgia rheumatica treatment

A Rheumatologist will use your symptoms and diagnostic tools such as blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms to PMR.

What are the polymyalgia rheumatica treatment options?

Periodic consultations with polymyalgia rheumatica specialists are essential, to effectively manage PMR. The primary treatment involves oral corticosteroids (steroid treatment), to reduce inflammation and pain relief. Initially, a higher dose is administered, gradually tapering down as symptoms ease.

Other polymyalgia rheumatica medication options might include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Paracetamol.
  • Vitamin D supplements.

Additionally, we recommend light exercises such as walking or hydrotherapy to fortify muscles and maintain joint agility.

The encouraging news: PMR doesn’t cause permanent joint damage, and many patients experience notable improvement shortly after commencing treatment.

How much does PMR treatment cost?

The cost for polymyalgia rheumatica treatment varies based on required diagnostics and therapy. Check our website’s FAQ section for the latest pricing and more information.

Why choose the ArthritisCARE team
for your PMR treatment in Brisbane?

ArthritisCARE Rheumatologists

ArthritisCARE stands at the forefront of polymyalgia treatment and management, recognising the impact of joint and muscle pain on one’s life. Our patient-centric approach ensures compassionate, customised care plans.

Let our adept polymyalgia rheumatica specialists guide you on your journey to joint health.

Meet Dr. Peter Landsberg

Founder Dr. Peter Landsberg has assembled a team of skilled Rheumatologists, polymyalgia rheumatica specialists and support personnel, dedicated to fostering the best patient outcomes. He holds a special interest in treating connective tissue disorders and inflammatory arthritis.

How to find us

You can find the ArthritisCARE team here:

FAQs

You can find further information and questions about PMR below:

The starting treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is usually a high dose of corticosteroid medication (called prednisolone). The dosage is usually adjusted based on the patient’s symptoms and side effects and will slowly reduce over time. Apart from medications, maintaining a balanced healthy diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups are also essential to the effective management of PMR.

The onset of PMR is believed to be triggered by multiple factors:

  • Environmental aspects, including infections, viruses, or contaminants.
  • Hereditary components.
  • The natural ageing process, as the majority of diagnoses occur in individuals above 50 years of age.

Yes, it is possible for people with polymyalgia rheumatica to make a full recovery and become symptom-free. Healthcare professionals use a corticosteroid treatment plan over the span of several months or longer to alleviate your condition. However, if symptoms return you may need to commence corticosteroid treatment again.

While PMR is not considered a serious condition, it does mean you have an increased risk of a condition called giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis. This condition leads to inflammation in the blood vessels of your head, reducing blood flow. If you’re diagnosed with PMR and start experiencing persistent headaches, issues with vision, or jaw pain while eating, it’s crucial to consult your doctor immediately.

A rheumatologist, who specialises in musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions, is typically the best doctor to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica. They have the expertise to differentiate PMR from other similar conditions and design the most suitable treatment plan.

The long-term prognosis for individuals with PMR is generally good. With appropriate treatment, most patients can experience full symptom relief. While the condition might require treatment for several months to years, it often resolves on its own over time. However, some patients might experience occasional relapses

Yes, rheumatologists are polymyalgia rheumatica specialists who have training, skills and knowledge in musculoskeletal diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This equips them to provide specialised care for PMR patients.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), is an inflammatory disease that affects the arteries of the neck and head. It is a complication of PMR where the arteries become inflamed, causing reduced blood flow to the head. Symptoms might include severe headaches, jaw pain when eating, vision problems, and even potential vision loss. Immediate medical attention and treatment are crucial.

No. Although both of these conditions cause widespread pain and stiffness, PMR and fibromyalgia are different. The main difference is that PMR causes inflammation, whereas fibromyalgia doesn’t.

Recommended further advice is available from:

Arthritis Australia’s Polymyalgia Rheumatica Resources page
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/polymyalgia-rheumatica/

Information Sheet: Polymyalgia Rheumatica by Arthritis Australia
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArthAus_PolymyalgiaRheumatica_2405.pdf

Trust Our Experienced Rheumatologists to
Get You Back to the Activities You Love

If you’re suffering from joint pain, stiffness, or other symptoms related to arthritis, lupus, or other rheumatic conditions, we are here to help. Our team of experienced Rheumatologists is dedicated to providing personalized care and effective treatment options that can help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.

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