Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica

• About polymyalgia rheumatica
• Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica
• Diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica
• Treating polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips.

About polymyalgia rheumatica

The main symptom is muscle stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 45 minutes. It may also cause other symptoms, including:

• high temperature (fever) and sweating
• extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• depression

If you have pain and stiffness that lasts longer than a week, you should see your GP so the cause can be investigated.

Diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica can be difficult because the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions will need to be ruled out before polymyalgia rheumatica is diagnosed.

Read more about the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica and diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica.

What causes polymyalgia rheumatica?

The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to be responsible.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is relatively common in the UK. It’s estimated that one in every 1,200 people develop the condition every year.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is age-related. Most people who are diagnosed with the condition are over 70. It’s extremely rare in people younger than 50. It’s also more common in women than men.

Treating polymyalgia rheumatica

The main treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica is a coritcosteroid medication called prednisolone, which is used to help relieve the symptoms.

You’ll initially be prescribed a high dose of prednisolone, which will be reduced gradually over time.

Most people with polymyalgia rheumatica will need to take a long-term course of corticosteroid treatment (lasting 18 months to two years) to prevent their symptoms returning.