Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder commonly affecting older people. Typically characterized by muscle pain and stiffness in the pelvic and/or neck and shoulder region, the condition usually comes on suddenly and can impair everyday functioning. Treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica is geared toward helping relieve the underlying tissue inflammation, as well as improving strength and mobility in severely affected muscles.
Corticosteroids
Prescription corticosteroids are usually the first line of treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica. Low doses of oral corticosteroids like prednisone typically help to relieve muscle tissue inflammation, pain and stiffness within a few days. According to Merck.com, even patients who are debilitated due to their condition often show dramatic improvement and become fully mobile after one week of corticosteroid treatment.
Once your symptoms have decreased to a manageable level, your doctor will put you on the lowest dose possible to maintain those improvements. According to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the majority of patients will continue with corticosteroid treatment for six months to two years. Because oral corticosteroids can cause a number of side effects, including fluid retention, elevations in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, loss of bone density, diabetes, mental confusion, and loss of vision, patients must make regular follow-up visits to their doctor for ongoing evaluation.
According to the Mayo Clinic, other medical conditions can be mistaken for polymyalgia rheumatica; therefore, your doctor may need to reassess your diagnosis if you do not show improvement after brief treatment with corticosteroids.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be used to treat the symptoms of swelling and pain associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. According to eMedTV, patients may take over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen on a daily basis to help control their symptoms; however, in the majority of cases, these drugs are not strong enough to serve as an effective stand-alone treatment. Additionally, when taken regularly over an extended period of time, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause severe side effects, including stomach pain and intestinal bleeding.
Physical Therapy
Some patients may benefit from physical therapy in addition to treatment with medication. According to Merck.com, individuals who have lost some movement or function in the neck, arms, hips or thighs, or those who are showing signs of muscle weakness, should complete physical therapy. Exercises are designed to increase strength and flexibility in the affected muscles.
