Polymyalgia Rheumatica Care in Collegeville, PA

What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that causes aching and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips. It almost always affects people over 50 and often comes on over days to weeks. It is closely related to giant cell arteritis, and some people have both.

Common symptoms

• Aching and stiffness in both shoulders and upper arms
• Pain and stiffness in the hips and thighs, and sometimes the neck
• Morning stiffness lasting 30 to 45 minutes or longer
• Difficulty raising your arms, getting out of bed, or rising from a chair
• Fatigue, low-grade fever, or unintended weight loss

How polymyalgia rheumatica is diagnosed

Diagnosis rests on your symptoms and examination, along with blood tests that show inflammation (ESR and CRP). Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and muscle disease, can look similar, so we also screen for them. We ask about headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and vision changes because of the link to giant cell arteritis.

Treatment

Low-dose corticosteroids usually relieve symptoms quickly, followed by a slow, carefully monitored taper over many months. For people who relapse or who cannot tolerate steroids, other medications can help. Because steroids can weaken bones, we also protect bone health with calcium, vitamin D, and bone density testing when appropriate.