What is the typical treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica?

The typical treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica involves the use of low-dose prednisone, which is effective in alleviating the symptoms associated with this condition, such as muscle pain and stiffness. Prednisone acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce the inflammation in the muscles and joints that characterizes the disease.

Starting treatment with a low dose is particularly beneficial, as it allows for symptom relief while minimizing the potential for adverse effects linked to higher steroid doses. In many cases, patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms within days of initiating low-dose prednisone therapy.

While high-dose corticosteroids may sometimes be used in more acute or severe cases, the standard approach begins with low doses, making it a more appropriate choice for most patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might help manage discomfort, but they are generally not as effective as corticosteroids for this specific condition. Physical therapy can be an adjunctive treatment to improve mobility and strength but does not address the underlying inflammatory process of polymyalgia rheumatica.