What is polymyalgia rheumatica?
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) causes sudden shoulder and hip stiffness and pain, mainly in adults over 50. Low-dose steroids (prednisolone 15 mg) usually give dramatic relief within days. Treatment typically continues for 1-2 years.
Last updated 2026-07-01. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How is polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosed in the UK?
Your GP will check your symptoms, examine your shoulders and hips, and arrange blood tests (CRP and ESR) to look for inflammation. A dramatic improvement within a few days of starting prednisolone helps confirm the diagnosis.
How long does polymyalgia rheumatica last?
Most people need steroid treatment for 1 to 3 years. Around half of those affected have one or more flares during the taper, but the condition usually goes into long-term remission.
Is polymyalgia rheumatica an autoimmune disease?
Yes — PMR is driven by an overactive immune response that inflames the lining of joints and bursae, particularly in the shoulders and hips. It is not contagious and is not caused by anything you have done.
What is the link with giant cell arteritis?
Around 1 in 5 people with PMR also develop giant cell arteritis (GCA), which inflames blood vessels in the head. New headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, or any change in vision need urgent medical attention.
Can I exercise with polymyalgia rheumatica?
Yes, and you should. Gentle walking, shoulder and hip mobility work, and light resistance training protect muscle and bone during long-term steroid use. Start slowly and build up.
Are there natural alternatives to steroids for PMR?
There is no proven natural alternative to steroids for PMR — untreated inflammation can damage tissue and increase the risk of GCA. A Mediterranean diet, exercise and bone-protection medicines support steroid treatment rather than replace it.