“How is polymyalgia rheumatica treated?”
I was diagnosed with polymyalgia when I turned 52 years old (now I'm 54), and I'm taking prednisone for it right now. Can exercises help in treating polymyalgia rheumatica as well?
1 Answer
A diagnosis of PMR is a bit unusual in someone as young as you, age 52
It is associated with marked pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders and hips and pelvis
It is treated with prednisone in low to moderate doses and then prednisone is slowly tapered
Many patients can be tapered off but some need a low dose ongoing
over time some patients may develop giant cell or temporal arteritis
A new treatment called Sarilumab or Kevzara is available
Exercise is important in regard to muscle strength and conditioning
again, this is esp common in patients > 65
It is associated with marked pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders and hips and pelvis
It is treated with prednisone in low to moderate doses and then prednisone is slowly tapered
Many patients can be tapered off but some need a low dose ongoing
over time some patients may develop giant cell or temporal arteritis
A new treatment called Sarilumab or Kevzara is available
Exercise is important in regard to muscle strength and conditioning
again, this is esp common in patients > 65
