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Sed Rate still elevated, but pain much improved
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Oct 27 11:01am | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
"Does anyone know if osteoarthritis can cause elevated inflammatory markers?"
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Anything in medical terminology that has the suffix -itis is associated with inflammation. Osteoarthritis is caused by inflammation due to mechanical wear and tear on the joints. It isn't chronic inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders but it is inflammation nevertheless.
How high ESR and CRP are elevated probably depends on many factors but PMR is NOT helpful if you already have osteoarthritis. I think PMR compounds the pain from osteoarthritis. Since PMR inflammation is in the area surrounding the joints and not inside the joint -- everything starts to hurt.
I think it is safe to say that osteoarthritis can cause elevated ESR and CRP levels but probably not chronically all the time. I also believe chronically elevated inflammation markers "aggravates" osteoarthritis.
"C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can be elevated in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. In addition to indicating systemic inflammation, it is suggested that CRP itself can play a role in OA development."
Replies to ""Does anyone know if osteoarthritis can cause elevated inflammatory markers?" ----------------------------- Anything in medical terminology that..."
@dadcue, this is really interesting about the interplay between osteoarthritis and PMR. I first had severe lumbar spinal pain (sciatica) about six months before PMR diagnosis, when MRI revealed spinal stenosis and many herniated discs. Diagnoses of shoulder, neck and knee arthritis soon followed. I was surprised to learn these issues had been developing for a good while with no symptoms, so it does seem likely the PMR contributed to the OA pain rearing its ugly head. Can you send us the link to the article you quoted about CRP playing a role in OA development?
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Hi Dadcue
My PMR Rhumo says “I only treat people, symptoms and not numbers” and that’s exactly what he does. And it works for me , keeps me well without unnecessary doses of damaging steroid medication.
My inflammatory markers fluctuate ( sometimes upwards) and don’t necessarily follow my much improved, almost non existent PMR symptoms.
I’d say you’re correct in thinking high inflammation markers can be caused by a lot of other underlying conditions besides PMR, and if high inflammation persists without increasing PMR symptoms it’s warranted to investigate other possible underlying causes /diagnoses as well , such as your osteoarthritis or many other illnesses / diseases that raise inflammation.