Everything About Polymyalgia Symptoms

Polymyalgia symptoms tend to develop more in elderly aged people. The development of the symptoms will usually end up with a visit to the doctor. It is common to have a quick onset and normal that an person can be fine one day but the very next day suffering in agony. What can be confusing for an individual is the symptoms need not have been preceded by any type of physical exertion or strenuous activity. The pain that is felt can be extremely uncomfortable and because it has come on so quickly it can often be quite alarming for someone. They may fear they have suffered a stroke or heart attack. It is also common to think it is just a muscle strain.

Polymyalgia is believed to be influenced by two factors. A combination of genetic and environmental factors. People who have developed polymyalgia symptoms often can recall a prior stressful event to the onset of their symptoms. There does not exist one diagnostic test for polymyalgia that is used, rather a combination of the patient history and a few lab tests. The pattern of symptoms in polymyalgia is very distinct.

Scientists are continually researching for the causative factors of polymyalgia symptoms. At this stage they believe it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. They have discovered that the disease is more prevalent in Caucasians than other races. However a specific gene has yet to be identified. Environmental factors can include job and responsibilities or daily activities and also stressful events or circumstances.

A doctor will use a patient history, physical examination and laboratory work to conclude that a patient has polymyalgia. At present there is no one specific test that will lead to a diagnoses. Blood tests can be very helpful for the doctor to check for inflammation markers such as ESR (red blood cell sedimentation rate) and C-reactive proteins. If these are within normal limits it is up to the doctors discretion based on the physical examination and patient history to make a proper diagnoses.

Polymyalgia symptoms are very specific. Pain is experienced not in the bones or joints but rather only in the muscles. This can make an easy task like raising both arms overhead nearly impossible. Because the muscles are affected it can restrict the movement of the joints because of pain. Everyday tasks such as getting dressed, rising from a seated position and lifting things can be very difficult. Because of pain sleeping can be disrupted.

The elderly are the most common age group affected by polymyalgia symptoms. It is only the muscles that become painful and this can lead to restrictions in the movement of joints. Although the bones and the joints are not directly painful. Normal activities are affected with the disorder and day to day chores may become quite difficult.