Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders, hips, and neck, usually in adults over 50. At Premier Rheumatology in Boca Raton, FL and Queens, NY, our rheumatologists diagnose PMR based on clinical findings and elevated inflammatory markers, treat it with carefully monitored low-dose corticosteroids, and screen for associated giant cell arteritis — a related condition that can affect vision and requires urgent treatment.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects older adults and is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulders, hips, and neck. Symptoms often develop relatively quickly and can significantly interfere with daily activities such as getting dressed, rising from a chair, or lifting the arms.

Because polymyalgia rheumatica responds differently to treatment than degenerative or mechanical conditions, accurate diagnosis and specialized management are important.

What Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder that affects the soft tissues surrounding the joints rather than the joints themselves. Inflammation leads to pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulder and hip girdles.

The condition is systemic and inflammatory, not degenerative, and typically occurs in individuals over the age of 50.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica may include:

• Bilateral shoulder pain and stiffness
• Hip and thigh discomfort
• Morning stiffness lasting longer than 45 minutes
• Difficulty with overhead movements
• Fatigue or low energy
• Generalized discomfort

Symptoms often improve with movement as the day progresses.

What Causes Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but contributing factors may include:

• Immune system activation
• Age-related immune changes
• Genetic susceptibility

Polymyalgia rheumatica is sometimes associated with other inflammatory conditions.

How Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

• Review of symptom pattern and onset
• Physical examination focusing on shoulder and hip movement
• Laboratory testing to assess inflammation
• Imaging studies when needed to evaluate soft tissue involvement

Accurate diagnosis is essential to guide effective treatment.

Treatment Options for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and relieving stiffness. Options may include:

• Anti-inflammatory therapies
• Medications to reduce immune-mediated inflammation
• Gradual adjustment of therapy based on response
• Advanced treatments in select cases
• Infusion-based therapies when clinically appropriate

Management requires ongoing monitoring.

When to See a Rheumatologist

A rheumatology evaluation may be appropriate if you experience:

• Sudden onset of shoulder and hip stiffness
• Difficulty with daily movements
• Elevated inflammatory markers
• Symptoms not explained by mechanical conditions

Specialized care helps guide diagnosis and management.

Our Approach to Treating Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Our approach emphasizes accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and careful monitoring over time. We focus on controlling inflammation while supporting mobility and quality of life.

Advanced and infusion-based therapies are considered when appropriate.

Schedule a Consultation

If stiffness and pain are limiting your daily activities, scheduling a consultation can help determine whether polymyalgia rheumatica may be contributing to your symptoms.