Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a rheumatological condition that commonly affects men and women over the age of 60. The condition affects joints and surrounding structures, leading to muscle pain, morning stiffness, and significantly reduced mobility of the affected joints. In turn, an affected individual may experience a reduced quality of life.
For treatment, individuals are advised to seek help from a polymyalgia rheumatica specialist. Brisbane residents can contact our team of rheumatology experts for diagnoses and treatment. Our team is well versed in treating diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. Patients suffering from PMR can access support services and groups to help them learn how to cope with their condition.
What is polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)?
PMR or polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic condition characterised by muscle pain and stiffness, primarily in the neck, shoulders, and hips. It occurs more commonly in white adults aged over 50.
For reasons that are yet to be understood, polymyalgia rheumatica has been linked to another condition called giant cell arteritis (GCA). These conditions are frequently discussed together given the similarity in their presentations.
What are the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica?
The main symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are symmetrical muscle pain and stiffness in and around the neck, shoulders, and hips. The pain and stiffness are typically worse in the morning and can get worse after long periods of inactivity. In addition, patients may suffer from:
- Decreased joint mobility
- Stiffness in the upper arms and back
- Sleep impairment
- Inability to perform daily activities
Your doctors may recommend a series of tests in order to ensure an accurate diagnosis is made.
How is polymyalgia rheumatica caused?
The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica, like other rheumatic conditions, is not well understood. The disease is thought to be caused due to a dysregulation of the immune system. Patients with PMR typically have fewer B-cells compared to healthy individuals, indicating that biologics may play an active role in the management of your condition. Other factors that may contribute to PMR include:
- Exposure to various environmental factors
- Genetics
Polymyalgia Rheumatica diagnosis
There is no single test used to diagnose new onset polymyalgia rheumatica. Instead, your doctor will take into account a number of factors that may suggest the disease’s presence. These include taking a medical history, a physical examination, and certain imaging studies.
As PMR presents similarly to other rheumatic conditions, further testing may be required to rule out certain conditions. To diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica accurately, your Rheumatologist may order:
- Blood tests - Checking the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein can help identify inflammation. Testing for RA markers may help determine any other underlying causes of your symptoms.
- Imaging scans - X-rays, MRIs, or bone density scans may be used to identify any bony deformities or inflammation around the joints.
- Biopsies - If your Rheumatologist suspects that your blood vessels may be inflamed, as is the cause for giant cell arteritis, they may perform a biopsy.
Additionally, your doctor may assess any screening previously performed to rule out other possible causative factors requiring review.
What treatments are there for polymyalgia rheumatica?
The treatments offered for PMR include:
- Corticosteroids - low dose steroids requiring dose tapering are used to reduce inflammation and manage pain. A maintenance dose (continuous treatment) may be required for a number of years.
- Biologic medications - these are medications derived from living organisms and are used to control inflammation by altering certain parts of the immune system.
- Other medications include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.
In addition to medications, certain lifestyle factors can be introduced to help control your pain. Patients are advised, within their capacity, to:
- Achieve optimal weight loss - carrying a significant amount of weight can put pressure on your joints and bones, further exacerbating your condition
- Exercise - low-impact activities such as walking and swimming can help condition your bones and joints and reduce pain.
Polymyalgia rheumatica causes significant muscle pain and stiffness, mainly in the shoulders, upper arms, neck, and hips.
How much will it cost to treat polymyalgia rheumatica in Brisbane?
The cost of your polymyalgia rheumatica treatment here in Brisbane will vary considerably depending on your specific symptoms. Treatments using low dose steroids and NSAIDs may be significantly cheaper than biological medications. The total cost will also factor in the cost of your Rheumatologist and any other diagnostic tools required to accurately confirm your diagnosis. For an accurate estimate of the treatment costs, we recommend you make an initial appointment with one of our Rheumatologists.
Treatment can help you lead a full and active life. It is essential you comply with your treatment and don’t miss any recommended medication doses.
How can our team help?
Our team of specialist Rheumatologists provide a warm and welcoming environment when you become a patient. We pride ourselves on our holistic approach to patient care, ensuring that each and every patient is treated with a care plan individually tailored to their presenting symptoms. Each of our Rheumatologists has skills in specific niches of the specialty, ensuring that no matter how complex your symptoms are, we will be able to treat you. Either individually, or in consultation with each other, to ensure you receive optimal management of your polymyalgia rheumatica.
Meet our
Rheumatologists
Our Rheumatologists are compassionate, caring, and committed to providing you with treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. Meet our expert team below.
Dr Peter Landsberg
MBBS (Hons), DipRACOG, FRACGP, FRACP
Peter founded rheumatology.com.au in 2016. He is a specialist Rheumatologist with a keen interest in treating inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disorders. His earlier years spent as a General Practitioner allow him to offer a uniquely holistic approach to patient care. He also has a strong commitment to being involved in training upcoming Rheumatologists.
Dr Clare Owens
MBBS, BSc, FRACP
Clare has a passion for research. She completed her rheumatology training in Queensland and was awarded the prestigious Arthritis Australia International Research Grant, which allowed her to undertake research at the University of Leeds in the UK, a recognised European Rheumatology Centre of Excellence. Her specific areas of interest include osteoarthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, gout and connective tissue diseases such as lupus.
Dr Sergei Grosman
MBBS, BSc, FRACP
Sergei completed advanced training in General and Acute Care Medicine in 2018, after which he pursued his strong interest in Rheumatology. He spent his training years in hospitals in Sydney, Brisbane and across Queensland. Sergei has a keen interest in all aspects of rheumatology and works closely with his patients to provide an individualised approach to care.
Dr Louise McCormack
MBBS (Hons), BSc, FRACP
Louise holds fellowships from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in both General Medicine and Rheumatology and has been expertly practising as a Rheumatologist for over 12 years. In addition to her role at rheumatology.com.au, she provides her consultant specialist expertise to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and QEII Hospital Rheumatology Clinics in Brisbane.
Dr Maryam Zia
MBBS, MD, FRACP
Maryam specialised in 2019 after having completed her initial training at the University of Punjab in Pakistan. She completed her advanced training at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane and at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. She is interested in all aspects of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Dr Joseph O'Callaghan
MBBS, BSc, FRACP
Dr Joseph O'Callaghan is a consultant in adult general rheumatology. He is a visiting Rheumatologist at the Mater Adult Hospital. He undertook his rheumatology training in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney and in Edmonton, Canada. He completed an MD on the anti-inflammatory effects of methotrexate while a Spurway Fellow in Rheumatology at the Royal North Shore Hospital. Dr O'Callaghan has an interest in all aspects of rheumatology care.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have some questions or queries regarding polymyalgia rheumatica, then check out the section below.
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, people with PMR can live a full and healthy life. Further escalation of treatment may be required during remission or flare-ups.
In general, PMR does not shorten the life expectancy of patients.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for polymyalgia rheumatica. Instead, treatment is available to help suppress symptoms and alleviate discomfort caused by the disease. And is often successful in eliminating the disease completely.
Approximately 50% of patients with PMR will experience a relapse of symptoms. As such, a dose increase of your steroids or biological treatments may be required. Once your symptoms have improved, your doctor will help slowly reduce your steroid dose to a maintenance dose.