Polymyalgia Rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that causes widespread pain to many parts of the body including the hips, neck, thighs, shoulders and arms. People with Polymyalgia Rheumatica also experience achiness and stiffness in their muscles. Polymyalgia Rheumatica mimics many symptoms of Fibromyalgia. The difference is Polymyalgia Rheumatica is diagnosed through blood work by an increased sed rate and a negative rheumatoid factor (RF) to rule out rheumatoid arthritis.
Once Polymyalgia Rheumatica is diagnosed, treatment can begin immediately and symptoms can subside very quickly with particular medications. Along with prescription and over-the-counter medications, Polymyalgia patients can help improve their condition and overall health with some important self care regimens.
Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Medications
According to the Arthritis Society, for milder cases of Polymyalgia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used (NSAIDs) that help reduce pain and swelling and help decrease stiffness in the affected areas. Examples of NSAIDs include Motrin, aspirin and Naprosyn.
The most commonly prescribed medication used to treat Polymyalgia Rheumatica is prednisone, which is a steroid that greatly reduces inflammation in the affected areas.
The problem with medications, although necessary for treating an illness like Polymyalgia, is that the side effects can be more damaging than the illness itself. For that reason, doctors do not like to keep patients on prednisone and steroid drugs for long periods of time. Once Polymyalgia symptoms start to subside, dosages of the prednisone are tapered off slowly.
The duration of the illness is generally two to fours years and most patients become asymptomatic without drug therapy.
Exercise
The London Pain Consultants state that exercise can help reduce the pain of Polymyalgia Rheumatica, help keep the muscles from becoming weak and improve the person’s overall health and well being. One of the side effects of taking prednisone is weight gain so exercising can help keep any extra weight off.
Polymyalgia patients should participate in low impact exercises: walking, swimming and riding a stationery bicycle. Range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and stretching is crucial for keeping the muscles and joints flexible and to help improve muscle strength.
You should always talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program. If you are not used to exercising, you will want to start out slow and build up gradually to where you are eventually exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Diet
Proper nutrition helps support the immune system. Polymyalgia is the result of a breakdown in the immune system so patients will want to eat a healthy diet to improve their overall health. Eating healthy will also prevent thinning bones, high blood pressure, diabetes and other illnesses. Polymyalgia patients should eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and fish. Make sure you are getting plenty of calcium and Vitamin D either through your diet or with supplements. Sugar, salt and alcohol intake should be limited.
Heat and Cold Therapy
The Arthritis Society also recommends that Polymyalgia patients apply heat to their muscles to reduce the pain, stiffness and soreness. Standing under a hot shower is a great way to do this or you can also use a heating pad.
Applying cold can help lessen the pain and swelling also by placing an ice pack on the affected area.
There are some theories that applying heat may possibly worsen symptoms in joints that are already inflamed. Talk to your doctor to see which method they prefer. I know some doctors will recommend alternating between heat and cold.
Relaxation and Taking Care of Your Body
Try to relax the muscles surrounding the inflamed area. I know that can be easier said than done. There are many ways to relax though:
– Deep breathing exercises
– Listen to relaxation tapes or relaxing music
– Meditation and prayer
– Visualize that you are in a calm, relaxing atmosphere or someplace that you really enjoy
Give your body a break and some rest. If you have been doing strenuous work or the same repetitive tasks, stop and take a break. Make sure when lifting that you are using your back, arms and legs in safe positions to avoid stress on your joints and muscles. Keeping your weight at a healthy level will also prevent extra stress on muscles and joints.
By developing good relaxation skills, you will have a better overall sense of well being and you can take control of your Polymyalgia Rheumatica and the suffering will be greatly reduced.
Resources used to help provide factual information for this article include:
The Arthritis Society
Arthritis.com
London Pain Consultants
