A 31-year-old member asked:
what is polymyalgia rheumatica like?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. PHILIP WALLERanswered
Rheumatology 33 years experience
See below: Polymyalgia rheumatica usually is a condition in people greater then 50. It causes stiffness and pain in muscles and joints including the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and upper legs. It can be associated with fevers and rarely weight loss. It is associated with an elevated sedimentation rate and c reactive protein which are both measures of inflammation. Treatment is steroids.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
What are the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Albert Pizzoanswered
Family Medicine 60 years experience
Polymyalgia: Common symptoms are pain and stiffness, usually starting suddenly over a few days period of time. The areas affected are neck, shoulders, arms, hips and thighs.
See your doctor asap if you have these symptoms.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Can other problems mimic polymyalgia rheumatica?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bruce Rothschildanswered
Rheumatology 48 years experience
Yes: Fibromyalgia is probably the most common, but confusion with rheumatoid arthritis does occur.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
In order for me to be diagnosed for polymyalgia rheumatica, do I need to see a rheumatologist?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Laccheoanswered
Rheumatology 15 years experience
No: Depending on their training and experience, many doctors, especially primary care doctors, are perfectly qualified to diagnose and manage polymyalgia rheumatica.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Is it possible to get polymyalgia rheumatica at age 35?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Laccheoanswered
Rheumatology 15 years experience
No: By definition polymyalgia rheumatica doesn't start until one is over 50. Of course, nothing is impossible and in a 49 year old with classic symptoms you might consider it, but at the age of 35, it should not be in the differential.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 38-year-old member asked:
Is there an over-the-counter treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. William Lizarragaanswered
Internal Medicine 16 years experience
No: The mainstay of treatment are steroids, which are prescribed by doctors. Other medications, like methotrexate, can help too, but these are also prescription medications. See a doctor if you think you have this...It could be serious!
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jun 22, 2018
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