Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the muscles around the shoulders, neck, buttocks and hips because of inflammation.
How common is polymyalgia rheumatica?
Although it's not a common condition, polymyalgia rheumatica isn't classed as rare. In England, it is estimated that one in every 1,200 people will develop polymyalgia rheumatica in any year.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an age-related condition. It occasionally occurs in people in their 50s but is more common in people over 60, and especially in those in their 70s and 80s.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is two to three times more common in women than in men. It is more widespread among white people, particularly those of Scandinavian descent, and it is much less common in black people.
The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unclear. However, it is thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible.
Giant cell arteritis
Around one in five people with polymyalgia rheumatica go on to develop a more serious condition called giant cell arteritis, which causes inflammation in the body’s medium and large arteries, resulting in symptoms such as:
- persistent headaches with scalp tenderness (scalp is sore to touch)
- pain in the jaw muscles when chewing
- impaired vision, such as double vision or loss of vision
Unlike polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis is regarded as a medical emergency and without prompt treatment it can cause permanent blindness.
The symptoms of giant cell arteritis can develop before, after or at the same time as the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica.
See giant cell arteritis for more information.
Outlook
The outlook for polymyalgia rheumatica is very good and the symptoms usually improve quickly if treated with steroid tablets (oral corticosteroids).
Most people with polymyalgia rheumatica will need to take a long-term course of corticosteroids (one to two years) to prevent their symptoms returning.
Read more about the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica.
