Living with Polymyalgia rheumatica
A condition that causes pain, stiffness and tenderness in the muscles of the shoulders, hips and neck.
Understanding Polymyalgia rheumatica
It affects the shoulders, hips (pelvic girdle) and neck. There is no muscle shrinking, and muscle biopsies do not show disease changes. Other symptoms can include a low fever, tiredness and depression.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Pain and stiffness in the shoulders
- Pain and stiffness in the hips
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Tenderness of the muscles
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue and low mood
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute and Vasculitis Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute, Vasculitis Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: forestier-certonciny syndrome; pmr - polymyalgia rheumatica; rhizomelic pseudopolyarthritis; senile arthritis
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationPolymyalgia rheumatica · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstitutePolymyalgia rheumatica · United States
- Vasculitis FoundationPolymyalgia rheumatica · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Polymyalgia rheumatica.
Explore research for Polymyalgia rheumatica
Explore actively recruiting Polymyalgia rheumatica studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Polymyalgia rheumatica with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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