Polymyalgia rheumatica

Very low urgency
Common-

Inflammatory disease.

Although its cause is unknown, it is often associated with giant cell arteritis (temporal artery).

Its manifestations are muscle pain and stiffness, predominantly in the mornings, in the neck and the areas close to the shoulders, torso and hips, making it difficult to move the joints. The most affected joints are the shoulders, arms, neck, stem, pelvis and thighs.

Diagnosis is reached through the clinical history, a physical examination and by ruling out other diseases.

Treatment is based on the use of corticosteroids over a prolonged period of time. In episodes of relapse, the dose may be increased or restarted in the event of treatment discontinuation.

Bibliographic references
  1. William P Docken. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica. UpToDate. Octubre 2016
  2. William P Docken. Treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica. UpToDate. Junio 2016.
  3. Crowson CS. The lifetime risk of adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Rheum 2011; 63:633.
  4. Liozon E. Familial aggregation in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: a comprehensive literature review including 4 new families. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2009; 27:S89.
  5. Gonzalez-Gay MA. Epidemiology of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Arthritis Rheum 2009; 61:1454.
  6. Carol A. Langford. Síndromes vasculíticos. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 385
Author
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Joint rigidity in the mornings


    Rigidity and pain in the arm-shoulder joint


    Cervical stiffness with restricted neck movement


    Pain and/or stiffness in leg-pelvis joint


    Cervical pain

Self-care

Maintain a balanced diet: increase fruit, vegetable, and white meat consumption and reduce the intake of fatty meals and fritters.
Engage in regular physical activity, adapted to age and physical condition, at least 3 times a week.
Avoid taking over-the-counter medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.