Polymyalgia rheumatica

An inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips.

Overview

Most people develop polymyalgia rheumatica after age 50. Sometimes this condition occurs with giant cell arteritis, a more serious condition that causes swelling, called inflammation, of the lining of the arteries.

Symptoms

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

Treatments

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