Which treatment is often recommended for acute presentations of polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, typically in the shoulder and pelvic areas. The underlying mechanism involves an immune-mediated inflammatory response. In managing acute presentations of this condition, low-dose corticosteroids are frequently recommended as the first-line treatment.

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, function effectively to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. They act quickly, often leading to significant improvement in pain and stiffness within days of starting therapy. This rapid response is particularly important in acute situations where patient comfort and functionality need to be restored urgently.

While high-dose NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation, they do not address the underlying inflammation as effectively as corticosteroids. Long-acting GnRH analogs are unrelated to the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica and would not be applicable in this context. Dietary supplements may not provide the immediate or targeted relief needed in acute presentations of the condition. Thus, low-dose corticosteroids are the preferred treatment approach for their efficacy and swift action in reducing symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica.