All conditions
Vasculitis & polymyalgia
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Also known as: PMR
An inflammatory condition causing pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips, almost always after age 50.
Video lesson
What it is
PMR inflames the bursae and tissues around the shoulder and hip joints. It is one of the most common inflammatory conditions in older adults and is closely linked to giant cell arteritis.
Symptoms
Aching and morning stiffness in both shoulders and hips lasting more than 45 minutes, trouble getting out of bed or raising the arms, fatigue, low-grade fever and weight loss.
How it’s diagnosed
Raised ESR and CRP with the typical pattern of symptoms. Ultrasound may show bursitis. Doctors check for signs of giant cell arteritis and rule out RA and other mimics.
Treatment
Low-dose prednisone usually brings dramatic relief within days and is tapered slowly over a year or more. Methotrexate or sarilumab can help when flares make tapering difficult.
Living with it
Report headache, jaw pain or vision change immediately, as these can signal giant cell arteritis. Bone protection and blood sugar monitoring are important during steroid treatment.
At a glance
Category
Vasculitis & polymyalgia
Also known as
PMR
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.