Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

The main symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are pain, and muscle stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 45 minutes.

It may also cause other symptoms, including:

• extreme tiredness
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• depression

See your GP if you have pain and stiffness for more than a week. They'll try to find out what's causing it.

Diagnosing PMR can be hard because the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.

These conditions will need to be ruled out before PMR is diagnosed.

Causes of PMR

The cause of PMR is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to be responsible.

PMR is age-related. Most people diagnosed with it are over 70 years old, and it's very rare in people younger than 50 years old.

It's also more common in women than men.

Treating PMR

The main treatment for PMR is a corticosteroid medication called prednisolone. It's used to help relieve the symptoms.

 You'll be prescribed a moderate dose of prednisolone, which will be gradually reduced over time.

People with PMR will often need to take a course of corticosteroid treatment that lasts 18 months to two years to prevent their symptoms returning.

Giant cell arteritis

Around one in five people with PMR develop a more serious condition called giant cell arteritis (GCA), in which the arteries in the head and neck become inflamed.

Symptoms of GCA include:

• a severe headache that develops suddenly – your scalp may also feel sore or tender
• pain in the jaw muscles when eating
• problems with sight – such as double vision or loss of vision

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your GP immediately.

Unlike PMR, GCA requires immediate medical attention. This is because it can cause permanent sight loss if not treated quickly.

• Polymyalgia rheumatica

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