Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common cause of widespread aching and stiffness in older adults. PMR can overlap with another rheumatic disease called giant cell arteritis, and symptoms of the two conditions can occur at the same time or separately. (See p. 12 of the March 2008 issue for more on giant cell arteritis.) The typical symptoms of PMR include aching and stiffness around the upper arms, neck, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. Symptoms tend to develop quickly over a period of several days or weeks, and occasionally even overnight.
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Catch Some Zs
Nonpharmacological strategies to improve sleep
If the Best You Can Do Is Zero
When we focus on loss, do we hurt our chances for gain?
Osteoarthritis Quo Vadis
Our knowledge of OA has progressed far—does a cure lie ahead?
Does Secondary Gain Exist?
How I learned to balance the complex equation of loss and gain from disease
ACR Makes Available Spinal Stenosis Fact Sheet
Spinal stenosis, or narrowing, is a common condition that occurs when the small spinal canal that contains the nerve roots and spinal cord becomes restricted. This narrowing can squeeze the nerves and the spinal cord, causing lower back and leg pain. People suffering from spinal stenosis have trouble walking any significant distance and frequently must sit or lean forward.
Physician, Rate Thyself
Ranking the quality of medical care is much more complex than picking the best Italian restaurant in town
A Day in the Life of David Wolfe, MD
David Wolfe, MD, knows how politics can affect rheumatology. As part of the Washington, D.C.–based practice Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, he is right next door to the movers and shakers who decide everything from insurance costs to how much reimbursement might be expected for bone density scans. But he’s a bit of a mover and shaker himself. Making partner while still in his 30s, Dr. Wolfe is young enough to understand the importance of changes but old enough to realize these suggestions must be made with passion tempered with patience. “If you’re in a position where you’re given a voice, you should use it,” he says. “The strength of our practice when you make partner is being a full voting member so you have an equal stake. Older members don’t always think of new ways of doing things procedurally, but you have to be patient with them and appreciate their experience.”
Watch Those Eyes
What you need to know about Uveitis in Rheumatic Diseases
Pursue Remission
Disease remission should be the goal for all rheumatologists treating childhood arthritis