IT'S one thing to wake up feeling a little stiff after indulging in strenuous exercise the day before - it's quite another to be so immobile that you can barely get out of bed, let alone walk downstairs.

Severe, painful early morning muscle stiffness in the shoulders and thighs - particularly occurring after a flu-like illness in people over the age of 50 - is one of the first signs of the rheumatic condition known as polymyalgia rheumatica, usually shortened to PMR.

Difficult to diagnose because many people develop aches, pains and stiffness as they get older, PMR can usually be pinpointed by a simple blood test. Other telltale symptoms include feeling generally unwell, running a slight fever, some weight loss, and sometimes inflammation in the blood vessels in the skull.

The good news is that PMR can be successfully treated by the use of steroid tablets, which suppress symptoms. Some patients who have been suffering from the disease for months often describe the results of steroids as "miraculous". And in most cases, the condition clears up completely within 12 months.

Medical research charity the Arthritis Research Campaign has a leaflet aimed at people with PMR, highlighting symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. To obtain a free copy write to the address below.

Helen Huddless

ARC

PO Box 177

Chesterfield

Derbyshire

S41 7TQ

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