What is Polymyositis?
A rare condition in which inflammation causes muscle weakness and affects both sides of the body is known as polymyositis. The condition can make it difficult to climb stairs, rise from a seated position, pick objects or reach overhead. People in their 30s, 40s or 50s are at the highest risk of suffering from polymyositis.
What are the Symptoms of Polymyositis?
The muscle weakness caused by polymyositis affects the muscles closest to the trunk like, those in the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck. The weakness has an effect on the left as well as on the right side of the body and tends to grow eventually.
What are the Causes of Polymyositis?
Although the exact cause of polymyositis is yet to be established, the disease shares many characteristics with autoimmune disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the own body tissues.
What is the Treatment for Polymyositis?
Although there is no cure for polymyositis, the treatment can give you muscle strength and function. It is important to start the treatment course of polymyositis to make sure that it is more effective.
Medications for Polymyositis
The most commonly used medications to treat polymyositis include:
- Corticosteroids
- Corticosteroid-sparing agents
- Rituximab
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