Learn About Polymyalgia Rheumatica

What is the definition of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder. It involves pain and stiffness in the shoulders and often the hips.

What are the alternative names for Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

PMR

What are the causes of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica most often occurs in people over 50 years old. The cause is unknown.

PMR may occur before or with giant cell arteritis (GCA; also called temporal arteritis). This is a condition in which blood vessels that supply blood to the head and eye become inflamed.

PMR can sometimes be hard to tell apart from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an older person. This occurs when tests for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibody are negative.

What are the symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

The most common symptom is pain and stiffness in both shoulder regions and the neck. The pain and stiffness are worse in the morning. This pain most often progresses to the hip regions.

Fatigue is also present. People with this condition find it increasingly hard to get out of bed and to move around.

Other symptoms include:

  • Appetite loss, which leads to weight loss
  • Depression
  • Fever
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What are the current treatments for Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Without treatment, PMR does not get better. However, low doses of corticosteroids (such as prednisone, 10 to 20 mg per day) can markedly ease symptoms, often within a day or two.

  • The dose should then be slowly reduced to a very low level.
  • Treatment needs to continue for 1 to 2 years. In some people, even longer treatment with low doses of prednisone is needed.

Corticosteroids can cause many side effects such as weight gain, development of diabetes or osteoporosis. You need to be watched closely if you are taking these medicines. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, your health care provider may recommend you take medicines to prevent this condition.

Who are the top Polymyalgia Rheumatica Local Doctors?
200 1st St Sw, 
Rochester, MN 

Eric Matteson is a Rheumatologist in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Matteson and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica. His top areas of expertise are Rhizomelic Pseudopolyarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Temporal Arteritis, and Tissue Biopsy.

Rheumatology Div, 
Santander And Univ. Of The Witwatersrand, ZA 

Miguel Gay-Gonzalez practices in Santander And Univ. Of The Witwatersrand, South Africa. Gay-Gonzalez and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica. His top areas of expertise are Vasculitis, Temporal Arteritis, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), Lung Transplant, and Kidney Transplant.

 
 
 
 
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CHU Gabriel Montpied

Clermont-ferrand, FR 

Daniel Wendling practices in Clermont-ferrand, France. Wendling and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica. His top areas of expertise are Arthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rhizomelic Pseudopolyarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Osteotomy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

For most people, PMR goes away with treatment after 1 to 2 years. You might be able to stop taking medicines after this point, but check with your provider first.

For some people, symptoms return after they reduce or stop taking corticosteroids. In these cases, another medicine such as methotrexate or tocilizumab may be needed.

Giant cell arteritis may also be present or can develop later. If this is the case, the temporal artery would need to be evaluated and different treatment given.

More severe symptoms can make it harder for you to work or take care of yourself at home.

When should I contact a medical professional for Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Contact your provider if you have weakness or stiffness in your shoulder and neck that does not go away. Also contact your provider if you have new symptoms such as fever, headache, and pain with chewing or loss of vision. These symptoms may be from giant cell arteritis.

How do I prevent Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

There is no known prevention.

What are the latest Polymyalgia Rheumatica Clinical Trials?
Pilot Study to EvaluateThrombomodulin to Rule Out Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) in Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Patients. (THROPIQ)

Summary: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a rheumatologic condition occurring in patients \> 50 years old, characterized by inflammatory pain of the scapular (shoulder) and pelvic (hip) girdles. PMR is most often isolated but can be associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA), a large vessels vasculitis, in 16 to 21% of case. The main features of GCA are headaches, jaw claudication, visual disturbances, abno...

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An Open-label, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Intravenous Secukinumab Infusion in Adults With Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) or Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Summary: This study will examine how intravenous (i.v.) Secukinumab will be processed in the body (pharmacokinetics \[PK\]) and whether it will be safe and tolerable after multiple doses of i.v. Secukinumab infusion in adult patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) or polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: January 25, 2023
Published By: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Dejaco C, Singh YP, Perel P, et al. 2015 recommendations for the management of polymyalgia rheumatica: a European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology collaborative initiative. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2015;67(10):2569-2580. PMID: 2635874 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26352874/.

Hellmann DB. Giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and Takayasu's arteritis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 93.

Salvarani C, Ciccia F, Pipitone N. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Smolen JS, van der Hejjde D, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 166.