Public Resources
Further Information
PMRGCAuk
PMRGCAuk - Information leafletThe PMRGCAuk leaflet provides general and concise information on Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) as well as on Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). To download the leaflet please click here. |
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Other organisations
Birmingham Arthritis Resource Centre (BARC)
BARC works to enable people with arthritis to have an improved quality of life and greater long-term independence through education about their diseases. Its network of volunteers provides support and relevant information to sufferers, family and friends, carers and rheumatology professionals. They have a drop-in helpdesk located on the first floor of the Birmingham Centra Library. BARC shares offices with PMRGCAuk. We work in partnership and aim to develop projects together. For more information about BARC click here |
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Arthritis Research UK
Arthritis Research UK is a charity that funds high class research as well as educate and inform the general public about different musculoskeletal conditions. Call 0300 790 0400 or email enquiries@arthritisresearchuk.org with any enquiries.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica - bookletArthritis Research UK is a charity that funds high class research as well as educate and inform the general public about different musculoskeletal conditions. They released a booklet on Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) which provides answers to questions about this condition. To read the booklet online, order a free copy or find out more information please visit the Arthritis Research UK website. |
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Giant Cell Arteritis - bookletArthritis Research UK is a charity that funds high class research as well as educate and inform the general public about different musculoskeletal conditions. They released a booklet on Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) which provides answers to questions about this condition. To read the booklet online, order a free copy or find out more information please visit the Arthritis Research UK website. |
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The British Society of Rheumatology (BSR)
The British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) promotes excellence in the treatment of people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions and supports those delivering it. The organisation is formed by more than 1,500 members including rheumatologists, scientists, trainees, allied health professionals and others from the UK and overseas.
The guidelines below were developed by the BSR and endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners. They are intended for professionals to use, and are written in medical language, but interested patients may like to read them.
Management of Polymyalgia RheumaticaPMR is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease in the elderly and is one of the biggest indications for long-term steroid therapy. There are difficulties in diagnosis, with heterogeneity in presentation, response to steroids and disease course. The PMR guideline is available to download by clicking here. |
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Management of Giant Cell ArteritisGCA is the commonest of all the vasculitides. Together with PMR, it represents one of the commonest indications for long-term glucocorticosteroid therapy in the community. It is among the common causes of acute blindness and can be truly regarded as a medical emergency. Visual loss occurs in up to one-fifth of patients. GCA is a rheumatic disease subject to wide variations of clinical practice, since it is often managed in primary or in secondary care by general practitioners, rheumatologists, non-rheumatologists and ophthalmologists. The GCA guideline is available to download by clicking here. |
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Support Groups
Some of our support groups also produce their own newsletters. These are available via their websites or by contacting them direct. Contact information can be found under Support.
Other Organisations
In addition, useful publications can be obtained from the following sites:
Arthritis Care
www.arthritiscare.org.uk
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS)
www.nras.org.uk
National Osteoporosis Society (NOS)
www.nos.org.uk