Question

Does a person who has recovered from polymyalgia rheumatica with giant cell arteritis have a higher risk of torn meniscus in the knees?

Answer

There is no more of a risk for a person who has recovered from polymyalgia rheumatica with giant cell arteritis to experience a torn meniscus than any one else. The only thing which links the two conditions is that polymyalgia rheumatica is rare in people under the age of 50, which suggests it may be linked to the aging process, and with age, the meniscus begins to deteriorate, often developing degenerative tears.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic disorder that is associated with moderate to severe muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and hip area. Stiffness is most noticeable in the morning. This disorder may develop rapidly - in some patients, overnight. In other people, polymyalgia rheumatica develops more gradually. The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is not known; however, possibilities include immune system abnormalities and genetic factors.

The links below may be helpful to you in learning more about torn meniscus and polymyalgia rheumatica with giant cell arteritis.

Links

• Torn cartilage (meniscus)
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis