Can PMR be induced by Exercise

Were there any "superfoods" or other new supplements you added at the same time? I ask because I was struck down with PMR 5 days after starting on marine collagen powder, but now you mention it, I also started a new exercise program at the same time.

I figure it was the marine collagen that prompted the PMR, with my body perceiving the sudden intake of a foreign substance to be a threat. But with a sudden increase in muscle and joint activity on top of it, it's possible the new activity in addition to the collagen made my body react with "what the...?" and throw my whole immune system into overdrive as a protective measure.

So I am interested in your question about exercise as well.

Nothing new that I was taking; my exercise program was the same for years, just the new leg routine at the time.
I started the leg routine again to see what would happen the pain in my adductor tendon came back not as severe as the initial but maybe the prednisone helped to combat it. It took 5 days to feel the full PMR effects also.
The only prescribed med I was taking is for an extra heart beat that I developed after taking the first Covid shots, maybe this is also a factor in the PMR

I found that I couldn't do the usual physical exertion. Had to become more conservative with my energy. Especially with lifting and carrying heavy stuff. Was diagnosed in Feb. of this year when I turned 70. I too get the classic PMR symptoms with over exertion. I've been fortunate to feel them start up and reverse before it turns into a full blown flare up. Can't complete the landscaping projects in backyard without lots of help. On a more positive note, I lost 10 pounds the first month. A plus for me. Ride my bike three times a week. Walking my dog more often. The key for me is moderation. And of course, accepting the new normal and making the best of it. My most recent flare up was last month triggered by a change in the weather. Was down to 5mg. had to go up to 15mg for ten days. Now back to 10mg. This journey can be so frustrating. Wishing you the best. and hope you can find that balance that will keep you in the safe zone as much as possible. E

It is frustrating just have to plug along; wishing you the best also.

My anecdotal experience with acute PMR onset at age 72 presented after overexertion biking and kayaking on vacation.
There is not much research found on exercise causing
polymyalgia.
Sometimes the diagnostic presentation can lead into
overlap with other rheumatic disorders that are aggravated by mechanical overuse. Don’t push yourself
to the max and follow up with your rheumatologist.
Your commitment to fitness will help forestall bone loss.
A very slow wean off steroids worked for me.

I always suspected my PMR was actually the result of beginning a too aggressive program by my PT instructor. It involved pulling down overhead straps while lunging forward. Suddenly I couldn’t turn myself in bed, put on any clothes that required raising my hands above my shoulders, etc. It was debilitating. I couldn’t get in to see a new rheumatologist for a couple months but when I finally did, he dx’d PMR without my having the usual lab markers. I finally got down to 5 mg prednisone where I stayed for years. Now, moving cross country, my new rheumatologist says he probably can’t get me off prednisone b/c I’ve been on it too long. I’m down to 3mg, but suddenly developed painful weakness in my wrists and a disfiguring condition that was explained as calcium deposits in the hands. It seemed to be the result of reducing my prednisone.

I started drinking a collagen powder supplement in my coffee and after about 2 months my PMR began. I struggled and finally went to a rheumatologist who diagnosed it. But I had stopped all vitamins and collagen a week before seeing him and my symptoms had somewhat improved. So I added in slowly all but collagen with no changed then I added collagen in and my symptoms returned but at the time I didn’t put it together so I started prednisone and with in 4 hrs my symptoms disappeared. So my dr diagnosed PMR. I stopped all vitamins and supplements and continued to feel great no fatigue no pain. After a month I slowly added vitamins back and felt fine. One day I added collagen and within 3 days despite prednisone all my symptoms returned. Sooo… needless to say I have not taken any more collagen. My dr agrees the collagen could be aggravating the inflammation. I am now 2 months into prednisone and beginning to taper down with good results so far. I will be at 10 mg next week 10-10-23 for a month then hopefully to 5 mg in November, as I am having knee replacement in December. Hope this helps. I know we are all different with different outcomes.

Very interesting, thank you. Hydrolysed collagen powder contains a lot of hydroxyproline which converts to oxalates in the body. I suspect that may be the cause of my (likely) collagen induced PMR, so now I eat a low oxalate low lectin diet.

Collagen type 2 (the type found in marine collagen) was years ago commonly injected into lab rats and fed to piglets & sows to induce and study chronic arthritis. When the collagen was stopped after 2wks, the arthritis resolved, but in pigs that consumed it for 4wks, the symptoms either did not resolve or returned after only one collagen dose.

Unfortunately I listened to the insistent claims of collagen sellers that it HELPS joint pain and continued to take it for 4 weeks. As you say, we are all different in how we react to various foods and chemicals.

Incidentally, I also used to take the collagen powder in my first coffee for the day to make sure its "beneficial" effects were maximised.

Very informative, I appreciate the information. Trust me I will NOT take or ingest any type of collagen again for any reason. I am totally convinced this set my PMR off.