Medical Questions » Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments Questions » Question No. 702
| Question: | I have been told that my aches and pains are due to polymyalgia rheumatica. Can you tell me more about this disease? |
| Answer: | Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR for short) is thought to be a post-viral syndrome in that it usually commences after a bad cold, flu or other viral infection.
The patient is weak and has muscular pains that vary from one limb to another over days or weeks. He or she is usually irritable, unable to concentrate and depressed. Good days and weeks will alternate with bad periods. The disease may last for many months, and then recur after it appears to be cured.
Its exact cause is unknown, but blood tests indicate a generalised inflammation of the body tissues. Other symptoms can include nausea, headache and loss of appetite. The only treatments available are pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. Steroids are very effective in relieving the symptoms.
Eventually recovery occurs, but the sufferer may have had many days off work and considerable discomfort in the meantime.
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