POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA
PROBLEM
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common disorder experienced by adults older than the age of 50 years in which complaints involve overall joint stiffness and pain. Common complaints include feeling fine one day and the next day having overall joint pain, with difficulty getting out of bed or standing up from a chair. Symptoms may occur gradually over a period of several days or weeks, or may appear abruptly overnight. Symptoms are usually worse in the morning hours. The joints most commonly affected are the upper arms, thighs, hips, buttocks, and neck.
CAUSES
A.The cause of PMR is unknown.
B.Some theories maintain that PMR may be triggered by an infection; however, research does not identify any specific infection.
PREVENTION
There is no way to prevent the onset of PMR.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.You may be treated with low-dose steroids by mouth. Prednisone is a common medication used to treat this disorder. Stiffness and joint pain may quickly improve with the use of oral steroids. If improvement with steroids does not occur within 2 weeks of treatment, you should notify your provider.
B.Once improvement is noted, your provider will begin to lower the steroid dose gradually over time. This may take several weeks to months.
C.Do not change or taper your steroid dose on your own. Your provider will advise you on the tapering dose when appropriate.
Activity:
A.Once stiffness and pain have improved, you may resume normal activities. Exercise is encouraged on most days of the week.
Diet:
A.There is no special diet to follow for this disorder; however, avoiding sugar and simple carbohydrates should help avoid weight gain while on steroids.
B.Blood sugar: Side effects of the prednisone may include increased blood sugar. If you have concerns regarding your blood sugar values or if you are diabetic, you need to discuss proper management and monitoring of your blood sugar while taking steroids.
Medications:
A.Oral steroids (prednisone) are commonly prescribed over a period of time. Discuss proper dosages and tapering of this medication with your provider.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Any new symptoms, such as headache, jaw pain, or vision changes.
B.Side effects from the prednisone or other medications prescribed.
C.Increase in pain or weakness while using prednisone.
D.Any other concerns.
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCES
The Arthritis Foundation: www.arthritis.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse: www.niams.nih.gov/Health_info/Polymyalgia/default.asp
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE