People who experience muscle pain and stiffness in the body most of the time must visit the best rheumatologist in Lahore. These symptoms correlate with polymyalgia rheumatica, which requires proper medical attention to avoid complications. There is no permanent cure for the condition; however, the treatment can help the patient manage the symptoms.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease in which the patient experiences severe muscle pain and stiffness in the arms and back. The common symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are:
- The patient experiences pain in the shoulders most of the time. Additionally, the person struggles to raise their arms.
- The patient undergoes constant pain in the neck, legs, and hips.
- The caregivers can notice that the person loses their appetite and remains inactive.
- The patient is more likely to suffer from the symptoms of clinical depression.
Known Causes of the Condition
The causes of the condition include:
- The environmental and genetic factors influence the development of the condition. People with blood relatives diagnosed with the condition are at a higher risk of suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Women and older people are at a higher risk of suffering from the condition.
Complications Associated with Polymyalgia Rheumatica
The complications associated with polymyalgia rheumatica are:
- Due to difficulty in the movement of the body parts, the person is unable to complete daily tasks and remain active.
- The patient struggles to maintain their body balance. They have a difficulty in standing and sitting on their own, which affects their productivity.
- The patient is at a higher risk of developing heart disease. It can affect the functioning of other vital organs.
- The patient suffers from a sleeping disorder, which has a negative effect on psychological and physical health.
- The patient cannot complete daily chores on their own. It may lead to anxiety disorders.
- The patient struggles to have healthy social interactions. It affects their health along with their personal and professional life.
Diagnosis
The tests that help diagnose the patient with polymyalgia rheumatica are:
- Physical Examination: The specialist will conduct a thorough physical examination to evaluate the functioning of the limbs and movement of the head. It helps the doctor understand the severity of the condition.
- Blood Testing: The blood test helps check the levels of C-reactive protein along with erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The abnormality in these levels indicates inflammation in the body. Due to the inflammation, the patient experiences the symptoms such as muscle ache and stiffness.
- Imaging Testing: The MRI and ultrasound testing help detect if there is another cause of the symptoms.
Effective Treatment Options
The medications and procedures that are known to be effective in treating the patient with polymyalgia rheumatica are
- Use of Corticosteroids: The medications help the patient manage the symptoms and pain. It provides instant relief from the pain and stiffness in the body.
- Use of Immunosuppressants: If the use of corticosteroids is proven ineffective, then immunosuppressants are proven effective. It helps the patient manage the symptoms.
- Use of Dietary Supplements: The use of corticosteroids can affect the bone health of the patient. Therefore, it is essential to take calcium and Vitamin D supplements to enhance the overall functioning of the body.
- Physical Therapy: The patient has to undergo physical therapy to restore muscle strength. It helps the patient work and complete tasks on their own without help.
- Self-Care: The patient must engage in light physical activities to ensure the movement of all the body parts. Also, it is essential to develop healthy dietary habits to avoid complications. The patient must avoid red meat, sugar, and baked items.
The patient exhibiting symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica must visit a rheumatologist in Karachi. The specialist will help the patient understand the cause of the disease by conducting various tests. The tests will help the doctor understand the severity of the condition and provide the most effective treatment option to avoid complications.