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Overview
It can occur with giant cell arteritis.
Steroids help quickly.
When to get medical care
Call 911Sudden vision loss.
Get care todayHeadache, jaw pain, or vision changes.
See a doctor soonShoulder and hip stiffness.
Causes
Cause is unknown.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause stiff, achy shoulders and hips, worst in the morning. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Polymyalgia rheumaticaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Aching and stiffness in both shoulders and hips, worst in the morning and often lasting more than an hour.
What you can do at home
- Stay active.
Medicines
Low-dose steroids.
At the doctor
Blood tests help.
Questions you may be asked
- Stiffness
The exam
A joint exam.
Tests
- Inflammation markers
Prevention
Early care.
- Get checked early
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.