Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): What You Need to Know

If you’re over 50 and suddenly develop pain and stiffness in your shoulders or hips, you might be experiencing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). While the name may sound intimidating, PMR is a common and highly treatable inflammatory condition that can dramatically improve with the right care.

What Does PMR Feel Like?

• Deep, aching pain in the shoulders, upper arms, hips, or thighs

• Morning stiffness that can last an hour or more, but eases as you move

• Trouble with daily activities—like lifting your arms to shampoo your hair or getting up from a chair

• Unlike typical arthritis, PMR mainly affects the muscles and tendons around your joints, not the joints themselves

Who Gets PMR?

• Most common in women over age 50

• More frequently affects people of Northern European descent

• Symptoms often appear suddenly, sometimes overnight

How Is PMR Diagnosed?

There’s no single “PMR test.” Instead, your doctor will:

• Check blood tests for inflammation (ESR and CRP)

• Rule out other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

• Often prescribe a short course of low-dose steroids—a rapid, dramatic improvement is a strong clue for PMR

Treatment: Relief Can Be Quick

• Low-dose prednisone (a type of steroid) is the main treatment and usually brings fast relief

• The dose is slowly reduced (“tapered”) as your symptoms improve

• Some people may need additional medications if symptoms return during the taper

Important: Watch for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

PMR can be linked to giant cell arteritis (GCA), a serious blood vessel inflammation. Warning signs of GCA include:

• New or severe headaches

• Vision changes (blurred or double vision, vision loss)

• Scalp tenderness or jaw pain when chewing

• Unexplained fevers

If you have these symptoms, seek urgent medical attention—untreated GCA can cause permanent vision loss.

PMR is highly treatable, and most people regain full mobility and quality of life with proper care. Early recognition and treatment are key—not only for relief, but also to catch any signs of GCA early. If you’re experiencing new pain and stiffness, don’t wait—talk to your doctor and get back to living comfortably.

Are you in need of a compassionate rheumatologist who will listen and work with you toward disease remission? If you're searching for the best direct-care rheumatologist in Denver, UnabridgedMD is here for you. Click here to get in touch https://www.unabridgedmd.com or call 303-731-4006

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