INFLAMMATORY CONDITION CAUSING SHOULDER AND HIP PAIN
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory condition affecting older adults, causing pain and stiffness in the shoulders, hips and neck. Responds rapidly to steroid therapy, with gradual tapering over time.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition primarily affecting adults over 50, more commonly women, characterised by pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips. Typical features include sudden or gradual onset of bilateral shoulder, neck and hip pain and stiffness — worst in the morning, lasting more than 45 minutes, and significantly affecting the ability to get out of bed, dress or perform daily activities. Other features include tiredness, mild fever, weight loss and feeling generally unwell. PMR can occur alone or in association with giant cell arteritis (also called temporal arteritis), a related but more serious vasculitis affecting larger arteries that requires urgent treatment to prevent vision loss. Diagnosis is based on clinical features and raised inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) in the blood. PMR responds rapidly and dramatically to steroid therapy — often within days — which both confirms the diagnosis and provides relief. Treatment usually involves gradual tapering of steroid therapy over 1 to 2 years. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides accurate diagnosis and structured care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Inflammatory process affecting joints and surrounding structures
- Strong association with age over 50
- More common in women
- Possible genetic predisposition
- Possible environmental or infectious triggers
- Association with giant cell arteritis in some patients
- Exact cause not fully understood
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical features and raised inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP)
Almost exclusively in adults over 50
Steroid therapy with gradual tapering over 1 to 2 years
Rapid and dramatic — often within days
Related condition needing urgent recognition and treatment
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Steroid Therapy with Gradual Tapering
The most effective approach is structured steroid therapy that produces rapid relief, followed by gradual tapering over 1 to 2 years guided by symptoms and inflammatory markers, along with vigilance for signs of associated giant cell arteritis and management of treatment side effects.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the patient and arranges blood tests including ESR, CRP and tests to exclude other conditions.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created with initial steroid therapy and structured tapering schedule.
- 3
Medical Management
Steroid therapy, monitoring of response and side effects, calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone protection and vigilance for giant cell arteritis.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular follow-up with symptom assessment, inflammatory markers and gradual tapering of therapy.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Steroid Therapy with Structured Tapering
Steroid therapy produces rapid relief of PMR symptoms, with gradual tapering over 1 to 2 years guided by clinical response and inflammatory markers.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation supports bone health during steroid therapy and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Bone Health Monitoring and Protection
Bone density assessment and specific bone-protective therapy are considered in patients on prolonged steroid therapy.
Monitoring for Giant Cell Arteritis
Patients are educated about symptoms of giant cell arteritis — new severe headache, vision changes, jaw pain — which require urgent evaluation.
Specialist Referral for Complex or Refractory Cases (Referral for rheumatology)
Patients with atypical features, poor response or relapses on tapering benefit from specialist rheumatology evaluation.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure about your condition?
Compassionate, confidential consultations — Book your appointment today.