How is inflammatory disease treated?
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder, which mainly affects people over 65 years of age.
This pathological process causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips.
Signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica usually begin quickly and are worse in the morning.
Diagnosis
The doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the cause of the pain and strain.
Tests your doctor might recommend include:
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
- MRI
Monitoring for giant cell arteritis
Your doctor will monitor you for signs and symptoms that can indicate the onset of giant cell arteritis.
Talk to your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
- New, unusual or persistent headaches
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Blurred or double vision or visual loss
- Scalp tenderness
If your doctor suspects you might have giant cell arteritis, he or she will likely order a biopsy of the artery in one of your temples.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves medications to help ease your signs and symptoms. Relapses are common.
Symptoms in people with polymyalgia rheumatica are alleviated by the inclusion of drug therapy - patients return to their first level of activity.
Physiotherapy is sometimes effective, but how much is needed in a particular clinical case? This issue is resolved only by the attending physician.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-
rheumatica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376545
