FAST FACTS: Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition causing muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs. PMR can start quickly and generally affects people over the age of 65. PMR affects females twice as often as males. Caucasians are more often affected than African Americans. Stiffness usually occurs early in the morning following nighttime rest. The pain may become worse with joint movement and can be severe enough to limit activity.
Possible Symptoms of PMR
- Impaired Range of Motion
- Low fever
- Pain in shoulders (often first symptom), neck, hip, or thigh
- Fatigue (tiredness, weakness, low energy)
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
Possible Interventions
- Physical therapy
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Assistive devices
What Else You Should Do
- Encourage healthy diet and regular exercise
- Schedule an appointment with your loved one’s healthcare provider for evaluation
- Write down and share information about your loved one’s pain with their healthcare provider
- Use a Pain Diary to note important information useful to the healthcare provider
- Encourage your loved one to try a non-drug treatment and document the impact on their pain in their Pain Diary
Reference:
- Mayo Clinic. June 18, 2020, Polymyalgia rheumatica, accessed 2,21.2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20376539#:~:text=Polymyalgia%20rheumatica%20is%20an%20inflammatory,are%20worse%20in%20the%20morning.
Revised January 2022
