Polymyalgia rheumatica

Updated: 2025-01-31

Definition

An inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips.

Overview

Most people get polymyalgia rheumatica between the ages of 70 and 80. Sometimes this condition happens with giant cell arteritis. Giant cell arteritis is a more serious condition that causes swelling, called inflammation, of the lining of the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms most often come on quickly and are worse in the morning. Symptoms include aches or pain, usually in the shoulders, neck and hips.

Treatments

Treatment most often is a low dose of a corticosteroid, such as prednisone, taken by mouth. Most people feel better within a day or two with treatment.