Poly myalgia rheumatica

Once you feel your pain and stiffness of poly myalgia rheumatica has subsided, you can resume your normal activities, including normal non-stressful exercise. Even low doses of corticosteroids can have side effects so it’s important to monitor for any symptoms of high blood sugar, gaining of weight, sleepiness, osteoporosis, cataracts and thinning of the skin and bruising. Continual monitoring of these symptoms is an important part of regular check ups with the doctor.

Points to remember

Once stiffness has decreased, normal activities can be resumed, including gently exercise as tolerated.

• Stiffness and Aching tend to come on quickly in poly myalgia rheumatica, and are especially common about the upper arms and shoulders.
• Symptoms can be worse at night and on rising in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
• Symptoms respond briskly to low doses of corticosteroids, but may flair up as the dose is lowered.