Polymyalgia Rheumatica

About Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes morning pain and stiffness in older adults. As in fibromyalgia, the pain can be so debilitating that it disrupts your sleep and makes daily activities more difficult, but two conditions differ because traditional indicators of inflammation are elevated in PMR but not in fibromyalgia.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is often, but not always, accompanied by giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory vessel disease that usually affects the arteries that supply blood to your head and neck.

Symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are worse in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.

Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica may include:

• Fatigue
• Pain
• Stiffness, especially in the neck, shoulders, arms, thighs, and hips

Risk Factors for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is more common in certain populations.

Risk factors for polymyalgia rheumatica may include:

• Age: The condition typically affects people over the age of 65.
• Family history: While there is only limited evidence that PMR is hereditary, certain genes have been linked with the condition.
• Sex: The condition is more common in female patients.

Treating Polymyalgia Rheumatica at UT Health Austin

Corticosteroids such as prednisone can be used to address the inflammation associated with polymyalgia rheumatica.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place. The Vasculitis Clinic care team includes rheumatologists, nurses, and medical assistants who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you.

We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to develop the best treatment plan for you. Advanced imaging and lab testing are also available on-site if needed, including computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Learn More About Your Care Team