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Polymyalgia rheumatica

Also called: Polymyalgia rheumatica, PMR

Aching and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips, worst in the morning, in people over 50. Low-dose steroids work quickly.

AgeOver 50
TreatmentLow-dose prednisone

Overview

PMR causes aching and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips, worst in the morning.

About 1 in 6 people with PMR also get giant cell arteritis.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Shoulder and hip stiffness
  • Stiff, achy shoulders and hips, worst in the morning

Less common

  • Tiredness
  • Low-grade fever

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden vision loss.
Get care todayNew headache or jaw pain.
See a doctor soonMorning stiffness.

Causes

Inflammation.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Over 50

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Blood tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • ESR, CRP:

Treatment

Take steroids as prescribed.

Self-care

  • Protect bones
  • Report new headaches or vision changes right away

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Prednisone
Stiffness

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a rheumatologist (joint and immune system doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Women over 50: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Responds well.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • How long will I take steroids?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Polymyalgia rheumatica

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.