Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the muscles around the shoulders, neck, and hips in people older than 50, especially Caucasian women. Signs and symptoms of PMR usually begin quickly and are worse in the morning. Other symptoms may include:
- extreme tiredness
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- depression
PMR is related to another inflammatory condition called giant cell arteritis (GCA). Giant cell arteritis can cause headaches, vision difficulties, jaw pain, and scalp tenderness. It’s possible to have both conditions together.
The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to be responsible.
There’s no specific test to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica. The diagnosis is based on the characteristic history of persisting muscle pain and stiffness associated with elevated blood tests for inflammation, such as the ESR.
Steroid medicine is the main treatment for PMR. A type of steroid called Prednisolone is usually prescribed.