What is the first-line treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects older adults and is characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips. The first-line treatment for this condition is prednisone, a corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids like prednisone are highly effective in rapidly reducing inflammation and alleviating the symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. Most patients experience significant improvement within a few days of starting prednisone. The dosage may be adjusted over time based on the patient’s response and the presence of any side effects.

Other therapies, such as analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Celebrex, may provide some relief for pain and stiffness, but they are not as effective as corticosteroids in managing the underlying inflammation associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. Whirlpool therapy may help with symptomatic relief but does not address the inflammatory process directly. Thus, while there are several options for managing symptoms, prednisone remains the cornerstone of treatment for this condition.