Specialties
    Executive Health Assessment
    Our doctors
    Referrer services
    Contact us
    Request appointment
    Home
    1. Home
    2. Specialties
    3. Rheumatology
    4. Polymyalgia Rheumatica

    Polymyalgia Rheumatica

    Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in the muscles, most commonly affecting the shoulders, neck and hips. 

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our rheumatology specialists use advanced diagnostic testing and comprehensive clinical assessment to evaluate symptoms, establish an accurate polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosis and develop personalised treatment plans.

    Due to the fact that symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica can overlap with other inflammatory, musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions, specialist assessment is often important to identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.

    • Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that causes pain, stiffness and reduced movement, particularly in the shoulders, upper arms, neck and hips. The condition most commonly affects adults over the age of 50 and can develop gradually or appear relatively suddenly.

      While polymyalgia rheumatica is not usually life-threatening, it can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life if left untreated. The condition is closely associated with giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory disease affecting blood vessels, which may require urgent medical attention.

    • Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica can vary between individuals but often develop over several days or weeks.

      Common symptoms may include:

      • Pain and stiffness in the shoulders
      • Pain and stiffness in the neck
      • Hip, buttock or thigh discomfort
      • Stiffness that is worse in the morning
      • Reduced range of movement
      • Fatigue
      • Low-grade fever
      • Loss of appetite
      • Unintentional weight loss
      • General feelings of being unwell

      Symptoms are often more severe after periods of inactivity and may affect both sides of the body.

      If left untreated, polymyalgia rheumatica can lead to persistent pain, reduced mobility and difficulty performing everyday tasks. In some patients, polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms may be associated with giant cell arteritis, which can increase the risk of serious complications, including vision loss if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

      You should seek medical advice if you develop persistent muscle pain, stiffness or reduced mobility, particularly if symptoms are worse in the morning or interfere with daily activities.

      Prompt assessment can help distinguish polymyalgia rheumatica from other conditions and ensure treatment is started as early as possible.

    • The exact cause of polymyalgia rheumatica remains unclear. Research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of the condition.

      Known risk factors include:

      • Age over 50 years
      • Female sex
      • Family history of inflammatory conditions
      • Certain genetic factors
      • Possible environmental or seasonal triggers

      Due to the fact that polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition, symptoms may sometimes overlap with other autoimmune and rheumatological disorders.

      Conditions that may cause similar symptoms include:

      • Rheumatoid arthritis
      • Inflammatory muscle disorders
      • Thyroid disorders
      • Connective tissue diseases
      • Osteoarthritis
      • Fibromyalgia

      A comprehensive assessment by a rheumatology specialist is often necessary to determine polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosis, underlying cause of symptoms and exclude other conditions.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our rheumatology consultants take a detailed and personalised approach to diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica. During your initial consultation, your specialist will discuss your symptoms, medical history and any relevant family history before recommending appropriate investigations.

      Diagnostic tests may include:

      Blood Tests

      Blood tests can identify markers of inflammation, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), which are often elevated in polymyalgia rheumatica.

      Autoimmune Screening

      Additional blood tests may be used to exclude other inflammatory or autoimmune conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

      Ultrasound Imaging

      Musculoskeletal ultrasound can detect inflammation around joints and soft tissues commonly affected by polymyalgia rheumatica.

      MRI Scanning

      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be recommended in selected cases to evaluate inflammation and rule out alternative diagnoses.

      Assessment for Giant Cell Arteritis

      If symptoms suggest giant cell arteritis, additional investigations may be required to assess inflammation affecting the blood vessels.

      Different patients require different investigations, and your consultant may recommend several tests as part of a comprehensive assessment.

    • Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica is tailored to the severity of symptoms, your overall health and any associated conditions.

      Following diagnosis, your consultant will develop an individualised treatment plan designed to reduce inflammation, improve mobility and support long-term wellbeing.

      Treatment options may include:

      • Corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation
      • Gradual medication adjustment and monitoring
      • Bone health assessment and preventative treatment where appropriate
      • Physiotherapy to improve strength and mobility
      • Exercise and activity guidance
      • Ongoing rheumatology follow-up

      For patients with associated giant cell arteritis or other complex inflammatory conditions, our specialists work closely with colleagues across multiple disciplines to ensure coordinated care.

      Regular follow-up appointments may be recommended to monitor symptoms, assess treatment response and adjust management as needed.

    • Patients at Mayo Clinic Healthcare benefit from access to internationally recognised rheumatology expertise in the heart of central London.

      Our approach combines:

      • Experienced consultant rheumatologists
      • Comprehensive diagnostic assessment
      • Advanced imaging and laboratory testing
      • Multidisciplinary collaboration where required
      • Personalised treatment planning
      • Access to world-class Mayo Clinic expertise

      Our focus is on delivering precise diagnosis, evidence-based treatment and compassionate care tailored to each individual patient.

    Private health insurance for connective tissue diseases

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Request an Appointment

    If you are experiencing symptoms, our rheumatology specialists can provide expert polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosis and personalised treatment recommendations.

    Request an appointment today or call +44 (0) 20 7871 2575 to speak with a member of our team.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

    Home
    1. Home
    2. Specialties
    3. Rheumatology
    4. Polymyalgia Rheumatica