Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain an stiffness. According to MayoClinic.com, polymyalgia normally affects people older than the age of 65 and primarily occurs in the hips, thighs, upper arms, neck and shoulders. Treatment for this condition generally involves corticosteroids or physical therapy. Your doctor may also prescribe a vitamin regime to help ease the pain and stiffness caused by polymyalgia.
Vitamin D
According to MayoClinic.com, your doctor may prescribe a daily dose of vitamin D to help prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a side effect that is often induced by the use of corticosteroids in treating polymyalgia. The American Academy of Rheumatology recommends that individuals taking corticosteroids for longer than three months consume up to 1,000 IU of vitamin D supplements daily in addition to 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium supplements. Vitamin D -- also known as the sunshine vitamin -- helps your body properly use and absorb calcium, which is essential in maintaining strong, healthy bones. Vitamin D can be found in liver and egg yolks as well as fortified products such as milk, bread and cereal.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant found in citrus fruits, broccoli, berries, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. According to "The Vitamin Book," the antioxidant properties of vitamin C can help protect your body's tissues -- including your muscle tissues -- from free radical damage. Damaged muscle tissues can lead to aches and soreness. Vitamin C also helps your body to repair damaged muscle tissues. This vitamin plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps to form connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Strong tendons and ligaments help to provide better support to your muscles.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A can help to relieve muscle stiffness and soreness, according to "The Vitamin Book." Vitamin A plays a vital role in protein synthesis. Protein is essential in allowing damaged muscle fibers to repair themselves. Protein also helps to speed up healing time by allowing your body to make new muscle fibers. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant, which can help to prevent free radical damage. Sources of vitamin A include dairy products, yellow vegetables and green, leafy vegetables.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, according to "The Vitamin Book." Being an anti-inflammatory disease, vitamin E can help to reduce the pain, inflammation, aches, stiffness and soreness that is associated with polymyalgia. Reduced inflammation can help improve the quality of life in patients with polymyalgia. Vitamin E also contains antioxidant properties that can help prevent muscle damage from free radicals and environmental pollutants. Sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, whole grains, green vegetables, soybean and canola oil.
References
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold M. Silverman, Joseph Romano and Gary Elmer; 2003
- MayoClinic.com; Polymyalgia; Dec. 4, 2010
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