Polymyalgia rheumatica (known as PMR) is a condition that typically affects females over the age of 50, causing inflammation in the shoulders and hips. This presents with - sometimes profound - stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, hips and thighs, usually worse when waking up in the morning.

Polymyalgia rheumatica can co-exist with a condition known as giant cell arteritis (or temporal arteritis) which can present with headaches, tenderness of the temples and scalp, jaw and tongue discomfort when chewing, and visual disturbance. Giant cell arteritis is a medical emergency, so when this is suspected then prompt medical attention and treatment is necessary.

The diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica is made through physical assessment and blood tests looking for markers of active inflammation. Treatment with steroids is initiated at a dose tailored to the severity of the condition, usually with excellent symptomatic response within two to four weeks. Steroid treatment may be required for up to two or three years, although initiation of steroid-sparing disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can improve treatment success rates.