What’s the Difference Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Many people experience pain and stiffness and wonder if it is polymyalgia rheumatica or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions share some symptoms but affect the body differently. In this article, we tell you all about polymyalgia rheumatica vs rheumatoid arthritis.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica vs Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis cause different signs and symptoms. Knowing these signs helps polymyalgia rheumatica vs rheumatoid arthritis specialists Phoenix find the right diagnosis. Let’s look at the main symptoms for each condition:

Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• The joints become swollen, warm, and painful to touch.
• Joint stiffness lasts all day, not just in the morning.
• Over time, the fingers or toes may start to look bent or out of shape.
• It becomes harder to move the joints like you normally would.
• The pain mostly comes from the joints, not the muscles.

Signs of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

• The muscles around the shoulders, hips, or neck feel sore and achy.
• It becomes hard to lift your arms or get up from a chair.
• The pain feels like soreness in the muscles, not sharp pain in the joints.
• The joints are not swollen or red.
• You may lose weight or not feel like eating much.

Both RA and PMR can make you feel very tired and weak. They also cause stiffness in the morning, though it usually lasts longer with RA. A mild fever can happen with both conditions, too.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica vs Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

Polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis have different causes. Understanding what triggers each condition helps explain how they affect the body. Here are the main causes of each condition:

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• The immune system attacks the joints by mistake
• Genetics (family history) may increase risk
• Infections might trigger the disease
• Smoking can raise the chance of developing RA
• Environmental factors may play a role
• The exact cause is still unknown

Causes of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

• Inflammation affects blood vessels near muscles, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Age is a key factor; it usually affects people over 50.
• The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation.
• Infections may trigger the condition.

How Doctors Tell the Difference Between RA and PMR?

Doctors use different methods to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica vs rheumatoid arthritis. These methods help them understand which condition a patient has. Below, we tell you the main ways doctors diagnose each one.

Treatments for PR vs. RA

There are different methods for polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis treatment Phoenix. Each treatment helps control symptoms and improve quality of life. Here we tell you how doctors treat each condition and how the treatments work.

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) which slow down joint damage and reduce the immune system’s attack on joints. They help prevent long-term problems.
• Steroids, which quickly lower inflammation and relieve pain during flare-ups.
• Pain relievers that reduce discomfort so you can move more easily.
• Physical therapy which strengthens joints, improves flexibility, and helps you stay active.

Treatment for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

• Low-dose steroids, which calm muscle inflammation and reduce stiffness, often work fast to ease symptoms.
• Light exercise and gentle movement which help maintain muscle strength and flexibility without causing pain.

Get the Right Care for Your Foot and Joint Pain

If you feel pain or stiffness in your feet, ankles, or joints, don’t wait to get help. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, our expert doctors diagnose and treat conditions like polymyalgia rheumatica vs rheumatoid arthritis. Foot and ankle clinics Mesa focus on relieving your pain and helping you move comfortably again. Call us today or schedule an appointment to start your path to better foot and joint health.

Let’s Wrap Up

Polymyalgia rheumatica vs rheumatoid arthritis both cause pain and stiffness, but affect different parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks joints and can cause lasting damage without treatment. Polymyalgia rheumatica affects muscles and generally improves quickly with steroids. If you feel ongoing pain or stiffness in your feet, ankles, or joints, visit a foot and ankle Gilbert, AZ specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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