Polymyalgia, also known as polymyalgia rheumatica, is an inflammatory condition causing pain, muscle stiffness, and other debilitating symptoms. Your rheumatologist can treat your polymyalgia, and help you get relief. Dr. Mark Fisher in Haddon, Heights, NJ, provides comprehensive rheumatology services, including treatment of polymyalgia. He proudly serves residents of Haddon Heights, South Jersey, Gloucester County, and Camden County, NJ.

What You Need To Know About Polymyalgia

 You may develop polymyalgia due to genetic factors,  or other unknown causes. When you have polymyalgia, you may experience muscle pain in your neck, shoulders, upper arms, buttocks, hips, and thighs. You may also experience severe stiffness in these areas, especially in the morning or after a period of inactivity, taking hours to feel some relief. You may also notice a limited range of motion.

In addition to pain and stiffness, other generalized signs and symptoms of polymyalgia include:

• Fever
• Fatigue and malaise
• Decreased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

 You should visit your rheumatologist if you notice pain and stiffness that doesn’t resolve, or if the pain is causing sleep issues, or limiting your ability to perform activities or tasks. Your rheumatologist may recommend several treatments to help reduce polymyalgia signs and symptoms. Common treatments for polymyalgia include:

• Corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications
• Methotrexate to suppress the immune system response
• Immune acting medication to control the intense inflammation
• Biologic medication if indicated to reduce the need and adverse reaction of steroids for this condition.
• Calcium and vitamin D to prevent bone loss due to corticosteroid treatment
• Physical therapy to increase flexibility, decrease stiffness, and increase range of motion
• It is very important that some patients could also develop serious complications of this disease with an associated disease known as Giant Cell Arteritis, an inflammation of the arteries in the head and elsewhere that could lead to acute visual loss and other conditions if untreated immediately

 Your rheumatologist may also recommend lifestyle modifications, which may include:

• Changing to a diet rich in low-fat protein and dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Regular exercise to help strengthen bones and muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce pain
• Getting enough rest to help your body recharge

Want To Know More About Polymyalgia and Giant Cell Arteritis?

 To find out more about the treatment of polymyalgia, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Mark Fisher in Haddon, Heights, NJ,( board certified Rheumatologist) serving residents of Haddon Heights, South Jersey, Gloucester County, and Camden County, NJ. You can reach him in the office by calling (856) 547-8004, so call today. Location: 713 Station Avenue in Haddon Heights, NJ 08035

Website: www.markfishermd.com