Rheumatic myalgia, or commonly known as polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a kind of  inflammatory rheumatic condition. Today we’re going to discuss this disorder, and hopefully at the end of the day you can get more information regarding the PMR, including rhuematic myalgia symptoms, cause and treatment.

PMR or Rheumatic Myalgia Symptoms

In most cases, rheumatic myalgia symptoms are severe muscle aches and/or morning stiffness, which makes it difficult to even get out of bed or climbing stairs.

The area that is usually affected with rheumatic myalgia symptoms are in and around the shoulders. Thighs are also a common place where the PMR symptoms attack. Other possible places are the neck and torso. Usually patients will feel unwell and fatigue.

Interestingly, when you thought you need to rest your neck to relieve the stiffness, the prolonged rest may even increase the stiffness. In some cases, the rheumatic myalgia symptoms also comes with loss of apetite and weight, and sometimes there is a slight fever too.

The PMR or polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms are often mistaken as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or even cancer. That is why it is important to give your doctor all the information you can gather regarding your condition.

PMR or Rheumatic Myalgia Causes

In most cases, PMR or polymyalgia rheumatica is most likely to affect elderly people, especially those who are more than 60 years old. It is very rare for people who are not seniors (age under 50 years) can get this polymyalgia rheumatica.

What causes rheumatic myalgia is unknown for now. However, elderly people don’t have to worry since PMR has no relation to organ systems, including kidney, lung, etc.

PMR or Rheumatic Myalgia Treatments

Currently there is no real cure for rheumatic myalgia or PMR. The current rheumatic myalgia treatments are focusing on relieving the PMR symptoms so that the patient can live comfortably.

The most commonly prescribed rheumatic myalgia medicine is Prednisolone or Deltacortril, which are included in corticosteroid drugs, responsible for reducing the inflammation and other symptoms and has quick response.

However, there are several side effects of the PMR drugs, including weight gain, osteoporosis, bruising, rising blood sugar, and slight rise in the blood pressure. Which means you should always be in touch with your doctor for the rheumatic myalgia treatment.