Polymyalgia rheumatica

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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

Healthy lifestyle choices can help you manage the side effects that may result from corticosteroid treatment:

  • Eat a healthy diet. Eat a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat meat and dairy products. Avoid foods with high levels of refined sugars and salt (sodium).
  • Exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor about exercise that is appropriate for you to maintain a healthy weight and to strengthen bones and muscles.
  • Use assistive devices. Use luggage and grocery carts, reaching aids, shower grab bars and other assistive devices to help make daily tasks easier. Wear low-heeled shoes to minimize the risk of falls. Talk to your doctor about whether the use of a cane or other walking aid is appropriate for you to prevent falls or other injury.
References
  1. Michet CJ, et al. Polymyalgia rheumatica. BMJ. 2008;336:765.
  2. Unwin B, et al. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. American Family Physician. 2006;74:1547.
  3. Polymyalgia rheumatica. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/polymyalgiarheumatica.asp. Accessed April 14, 2010.
  4. Polymyalgia rheumatica. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual of Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec04/ch033/ch033i.html. Accessed April 6, 2010.
  5. Salvarani C, et al. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant-cell arteritis. Lancet. 2008;372:234.
  6. Giant cell arteritis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/giantcellarteritis.asp. Accessed April 15, 2010.
  7. Glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/gi-osteoporosis.asp. Accessed April 15, 2010.
DS00441 Dec. 4, 2010

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