Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Treatment Program

If you're one of the estimated 700,000 Americans suffering from PMR, you know that this debilitating condition can make even simple tasks a real challenge.

PMR is a medical condition that can cause widespread muscle aches and joint pain throughout the body. It is most common in Caucasian women over the age of 70. PMR usually affects the shoulders, hips, and neck and occasionally joints such as the wrists, elbows, and knees. Pain from this condition is typically at its worst upon waking in the morning and improves as the day progresses. Performing morning tasks, such as brushing your hair or getting dressed, is challenging. Other symptoms may include difficulty sleeping and general aches and pains in the legs and feet.

If left untreated, PMR can lead to a loss of strength in joints and muscle wasting. This can impair mobility, making it difficult to stand or walk.

While there is no cure for this condition, its symptoms can be treated successfully to improve your quality of life. Medication is often used to reduce inflammation and ease pain, including corticosteroids like prednisone.