I know it is reducing swelling. What is it that is swollen?
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and hips. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication commonly used to treat PMR.
Prednisone works by reducing inflammation in the body. It does this by suppressing the immune system and decreasing the production of chemicals that cause inflammation, such as prostaglandins and cytokines.
In PMR, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation in the muscles and joints. By suppressing the immune response, prednisone can reduce the inflammation and relieve the symptoms of PMR.
However, it's important to note that prednisone is not a cure for PMR. It can only manage the symptoms and control the inflammation. The dosage of prednisone required for PMR treatment varies depending on the severity of the symptoms, but it is usually started at a high dose and then gradually tapered off as the symptoms improve. Long-term use of prednisone can cause side effects, so it's important to work closely with a your doctor to manage the medication and monitor for any adverse effects.
Hope this helps!