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Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition causing pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders, neck and hips. It mainly affects older adults and often responds well to treatment.
Causes & risk factors
- Inflammation of unclear cause
- Age over 50, more common in older adults
- Genetic predisposition
- Can be linked to giant cell arteritis
Common symptoms
- Pain in the shoulders, neck and hips
- Severe morning stiffness
- Tiredness
- Difficulty raising the arms or rising from a chair
- Low-grade fever
- Mild weight loss
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- Low-dose steroids, as prescribed, which usually help quickly
- Gradual reduction of medicine over time
- Monitoring for side effects
- Gentle exercise to maintain movement
- Watching for symptoms of giant cell arteritis
When to see a doctor urgently
- Sudden shoulder and hip stiffness in an older adult
- New severe headache or scalp tenderness
- Jaw pain on chewing or sudden vision changes (urgent)
- Symptoms returning as medicine is reduced
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about polymyalgia rheumatica. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is polymyalgia rheumatica the same as arthritis?
It is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness rather than joint damage. It usually responds quickly to steroid treatment.
Why must I watch for headaches and vision changes?
It can be linked to giant cell arteritis, which can affect vision. Sudden headache, jaw pain on chewing or vision loss needs urgent care.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.