Is PMR a serious condition?
Is PMR a serious condition?
It sounds serious, even ferocious, but it responds beautifully to proper treatment. It’s polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), a painful, sometimes disabling condition that can be associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA), a disease that is much less common but much more serious.
Does PMR cause permanent damage?
Polymyalgia rheumatica can be a relatively benign condition that is extremely responsive to treatment. In some rare cases, permanent muscle weakness, degeneration and loss (atrophy) of muscle mass, and disability may occur.
Is PMR considered arthritis?
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a chronic inflammatory condition that predominantly involves large joints and periarticular structures. Following rheumatoid arthritis, PMR is the second most common autoimmune rheumatic disease, with a lifetime risk of approximately 2%.
Does PMR shorten your life?
Outlook. People with PMR typically respond well to treatment, and most eventually recover entirely from the disease within one to five years. With appropriate treatment and regular follow-up care, individuals with PMR, and even those who develop GCA, can experience a full and productive life.
Can PMR come back years later?
POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA (PMR) CAN RECUR YEARS AFTER DISCONTINUATION OF STEROID THERAPY.
Can polymyalgia return after a few years?
Polymyalgia rheumatica can recur years after discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy.
What is polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)?
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder that causes widespread aching, stiffness and flu-like symptoms. It is more common in women than men and is seen more often in Caucasians than other races.
What is PMR and how does it affect the body?
According to the Vasculitis Foundation, PMR is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that attacks the blood vessels, the arteries and some major branches of the aorta, and the lining of joints. PMR is the second-most common rheumatic disease after rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primarily afflicting those over 50.
Does PMR go away on its own?
With treatment, PMR symptoms usually lessen or go away within days. Without treatment, they may go away after a year but could take up to five years or more. Proper nutrition, activity, rest and following medication regimens are important for managing the condition.
Can PMR be misdiagnosed as other conditions?
PMR is often misdiagnosed because symptoms may appear similar to other conditions (like aging, perimenopause, excessive exercise) or diseases (such as influenza, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia ). No single test can definitively diagnose PMR, but specific tests can rule out other possible diagnoses.
