Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica causes you to feel pain in your musculoskeletal system. The pain often centers in your back, shoulders and hips. In addition to pain, there is also a stiffness that occurs after a long period of inactivity. For example, when a person first wakes up in the morning or after they have been sitting in a chair for more than half an hour.
For some people, Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a disease that begins to display symptoms gradually. However, for others, symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica can appear in the blink of an eye. There is a lot that is unknown about this disease, including the cause of Polymyalgia Rheumatica. According to many researchers, there’s a link between Polymyalgia Rheumatica and immune system problems, genetic defects and infections.
It is uncommon for a person under the age of 50 to receive a Polymyalgia Rheumatica diagnosis. This leads many researchers to believe that there is a link between Polymyalgia Rheumatica and the aging process. In most patients, the pain and stiffness associated with Polymyalgia Rheumatica clears up on its own within 12-24 months. However, there are treatment options that our doctors can administer to help control the symptoms. If a patient deviates from their physician’s direction or if they end treatment early, symptoms can return. As of yet, there is no treatment that can reduce the term of the disease.
What is Giant Cell Arteritis?
Giant Cell Arteritis is also referred to as temporal arteritis or even cranial arteritis. The disorder causes inflammation of the arteries. Giant Cell Arteritis can also affect the arteries in a person’s arms and neck. As the arteries become inflamed, they get narrower, which makes it difficult for blood to flow adequately.
This condition can result in permanent tissue damage if left untreated. Therefore, if you believe you may have Giant Cell Arteritis, contact us to start treatment as soon as possible.
Exploring the Connection Between Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica often occur simultaneously in patients. It is also common for a patient to develop Giant Cell Arteritis immediately after their symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica subside.
If these disorders go untreated, they can cause a person to have vision lost, strokes and other serious health problems. With both of these infirmities, early detection and treatment are key in minimizing lasting injury. Biologics can be helpful in combating both of these disorders and managing patient discomfort.
If you are having difficult managing your Giant Cell Artertitis or Polymyalgia Rheumatica or you have questions about treatment options, contact us today. Our trained doctors can provide a customized treatment plan to meet your needs, or point you in the direction of someone that can.
