Waking up with severe stiffness and aching in your shoulders, neck, and hips can be alarming and debilitating. If these symptoms have appeared suddenly, you may be experiencing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), an inflammatory disorder that requires prompt and accurate diagnosis. Understanding the polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms is the first critical step toward finding effective relief and reclaiming your mobility.
Bay Area Rheumatology’s team of board-certified polymyalgia rheumatica specialists provides cutting-edge, compassionate care to patients throughout the Tampa and St. Petersburg metro areas. From our clinics in Clearwater and Oldsmar, we are dedicated to not only diagnosing and treating your condition but also advocating for you every step of the way.
Bay Area Rheumatology offers access to the best polymyalgia rheumatica treatment available. If you're searching for an expert rheumatologist near you, we invite you to request an appointment with our nationally recognized team today.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, neck, upper arms, and hips. Polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms tend to appear quickly, sometimes even overnight, and are typically worse in the morning after periods of rest.
The most common signs of PMR include:
PMR almost exclusively affects people over the age of 50, with the average onset occurring around age 70. Getting a swift and accurate polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosis is crucial to rule out other conditions and begin treatment.
The primary goal of polymyalgia rheumatica treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, and the most effective way to do this is with medication. The standard and most effective polymyalgia rheumatica medication is a low dose of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone. Patients often experience significant, dramatic relief from their pain and stiffness within just a few days of starting treatment. This rapid response can even help confirm the diagnosis.
Because long-term corticosteroid use can have side effects, your rheumatologist at Bay Area Rheumatology will aim to find the lowest possible dose that controls your symptoms. The treatment course is typically long, often lasting one to two years or more, and involves a very slow, gradual tapering of the medication. Your doctor will monitor you closely to manage your symptoms and minimize any potential side effects.
There is no single definitive test for PMR. A polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosis is made by a skilled rheumatologist based on a careful evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam. Your doctor will pay close attention to the location and nature of your pain and stiffness.
To help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms (like rheumatoid arthritis), your doctor will order blood tests. These tests typically look for elevated markers of inflammation in the body, specifically the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). While these tests are not specific to PMR, high levels strongly support the diagnosis in a patient with the classic symptoms. The rapid improvement of symptoms after starting corticosteroids is also a key indicator.
Yes, polymyalgia rheumatica is closely linked to another condition called giant cell arteritis (GCA). GCA is a more serious condition that involves inflammation of the arteries, most commonly the temporal arteries in the head. About 15% of people with PMR also develop GCA, and about 50% of people with GCA also have PMR. Your rheumatologist will screen you for GCA, asking about symptoms like new headaches, jaw pain when chewing, scalp tenderness, or vision changes, as GCA requires more aggressive treatment to prevent complications like vision loss.
When looking for polymyalgia rheumatica specialists, you need a team with extensive experience and a commitment to your well-being. The providers at Bay Area Rheumatology are more than just board-certified physicians; they are nationally recognized leaders who contribute to medical journals, lecture across the country, and help shape the future of rheumatology.
Our practice is founded on compassionate patient advocacy. We fight for our patients, navigating the complexities of prior authorizations and insurance company decisions to ensure you get the polymyalgia rheumatica medication you need without delay. With convenient locations and a commitment to providing fast access to appointments, we are the premier choice for patients from Palm Harbor to Westchase looking for a top rheumatologist near them.
Getting relief from the debilitating symptoms of PMR starts here. Bay Area Rheumatology makes it easy to schedule a visit with a specialist. We prioritize quick access to care because we understand the importance of a timely diagnosis and treatment. You can schedule your appointment conveniently through our online portal. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the expert care you need to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. We look forward to seeing you at one of our Tampa-area clinics.
The exact cause of PMR is unknown. It's believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as an infection, may trigger the inflammatory response in susceptible individuals. It is an autoimmune-related condition that primarily affects older adults.
PMR is a self-limiting condition, but treatment is typically required for one to two years, and sometimes longer. It's important to follow your doctor's plan for slowly tapering off medication to prevent a relapse of symptoms.
While diet and exercise are not a substitute for polymyalgia rheumatica medication, a healthy lifestyle is important. Once your symptoms are under control, gentle exercise can help maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength. A balanced diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D, is also crucial, especially since long-term steroid use can affect bone density.
Corticosteroids are the primary and most effective treatment for PMR. For patients who cannot tolerate steroids or have difficulty tapering off them, other medications that suppress the immune system may be considered as a secondary option. Your rheumatologist will discuss the best plan for your specific situation.