What is PMR?
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory rheumatic condition. Both men and women are equally affected but women slightly more than men.
What are the main symptoms?
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) causes sudden pain and morning stiffness, mainly in and around the shoulders and thighs. Often, patients cannot get out of bed without help and notice difficulty climbing stairs.
Prolonged rest or inactivity may increase the stiffness and activities such as driving become more difficult.
Other common complaints include feeling generally unwell and tired. Occasionally, a slight fever accompanies the condition. Some patients notice a loss of appetite and weight.
In the most severe form of Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) , painful inflammation occurs in the arteries in the head, particularly around the temple area: this is called temporal arteritis. |