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Polymyalgia rheumatica

An atlas of shoulder and hip pain with morning stiffness after age 50, exclusion-based diagnosis, glucocorticoids, and giant-cell arteritis vigilance.

polymyalgia rheumatica · PMR

MONDO:0019735Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · 2c75323fbeba

Disease class
PMR is an inflammatory disorder occurring mainly after age 50.
Core mechanism
Bilateral shoulder pain and morning stiffness are characteristic.
Genes or cause
Neck, hip pain, and systemic symptoms can also occur.
Typical features
Giant cell arteritis can coexist.
Variability
New headache, jaw pain, or visual change requires urgent assessment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical without a single confirmatory test.
Management
ESR and CRP reflect inflammation but are not specific.
Treatment and research
Infection, cancer, and other rheumatic diseases are excluded.
Reading evidence
Low-dose oral glucocorticoid is the main treatment.
Key caution
The dose is tapered gradually according to symptoms and inflammatory markers.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a glance

PMR is an inflammatory disorder occurring mainly after age 50.

Giant cell arteritis can coexist.

How the disease works

Bilateral shoulder pain and morning stiffness are characteristic.

Neck, hip pain, and systemic symptoms can also occur.

Why experiences vary

New headache, jaw pain, or visual change requires urgent assessment.

Diagnosis and management

Diagnosis is clinical without a single confirmatory test.

Treatment status

ESR and CRP reflect inflammation but are not specific.

Infection, cancer, and other rheumatic diseases are excluded.

Reading clinical trials

Bone health, blood pressure, and glucose risks are managed.

Topics for a clinical visit

GCA warning symptoms, function, inflammatory markers, and treatment toxicity require review.

Medical notice

This material is for disease education and is not a personal diagnosis or treatment instruction.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.