Off The Record

Alarming Signs Of A Crippling Inflammatory Disease In Older Adults

Published on March 26, 2025

One of the illnesses that frequently stays untreated for months or even years is polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Identifying the symptoms early may help save needless suffering because waiting too long to begin therapy can exacerbate the illness.

According to the Mayo Clinic, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects older persons and causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness.

This disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as arthritis or other musculoskeletal problems, which delays treatment. Mobility and quality of life can be severely impacted by PMR if treatment is not received.

To help you spot the warning signals early, let’s examine the main symptoms.

Shoulder pain: The first sign of PMR

Shoulder pain is typically the first observable sign of PMR. Both shoulders are usually affected, and the pain is greater at night, making it hard to fall asleep.

Common complaints include:

inability to raise arms over the head, which causes pain when performing basic chores like reaching for objects or putting on a shirt.
a severe, ongoing pain in the upper arms.
shoulder pain that radiates to the chest and upper back.
At first, the discomfort is frequently written off as a small strain because it might develop gradually over several days or come on suddenly.

Hips, neck, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms

Although the most prevalent symptom of PMR is shoulder pain, other significant muscle groups also experience discomfort, such as:

Walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of a chair are all made more difficult by the hips and thighs.
Neck stiffness: It’s hard to turn your head.
Upper arms and buttocks: These areas hurt when you lift things or sit for extended periods of time.

Resting does not ease this intense, throbbing pain, which frequently gets worse after prolonged periods of inactivity or repetitive motions.

Stiffness: The telltale sign

Severe stiffness, particularly in the morning or after extended periods of rest, is one of the most distinctive features of PMR.

Telltale signs:

stiffness in the morning that lasts more than an hour.
Your muscles seem to be “locked up.”
stiffness that returns after idleness but marginally subsides with movement.

For many people, simply getting out of bed is a struggle. Untreated PMR can result in long-term mobility problems, even though a little movement can help relax the muscles.

Limited range of motion

Reduced range of motion, especially in the shoulders and hips, can result from chronic pain and stiffness over time.

Mobility restriction symptoms include:

Reaching overhead or extending arms can be challenging.
difficulty twisting the body or bending over.
decreased hip flexibility, which makes it difficult to move around.

Unconsciously restricting their motions to prevent pain might exacerbate muscular stiffness and further impair mobility.

Knee, elbow, and wrist pain

While the shoulders and hips are the main areas affected by PMR, some people may have discomfort in minor joints such as the

Knees: Walking is challenging.
Wrists: Makes typing and holding objects uncomfortable.
Elbows: It can be difficult to bend the arms.

Even though PMR usually doesn’t result in joint swelling or irreversible damage like rheumatoid arthritis does, the pain and stiffness can nevertheless make daily tasks challenging.

Other symptoms

Apart from pain in the muscles and joints, PMR can result in:

exhaustion and a lack of energy.
mild flu-like symptoms and fever.
unintended loss of weight.
overall feeling of being unwell (malaise).
Depression and mood swings are frequently brought on by persistent pain and restricted movement.

It’s time to see a doctor if morning stiffness and muscular soreness continue to accompany these symptoms.

Early diagnosis is crucial

Low-dose corticosteroids, such as prednisone, have a strong effect on PMR, and most patients report significant symptom alleviation within a few days of beginning medication.

PMR can significantly impair independence and mobility if left untreated. Being active, avoiding needless pain, and averting more difficulties are all made possible by early symptom recognition.

Although polymyalgia rheumatica is a painful and sometimes misdiagnosed ailment, early detection of symptoms can result in comfort and efficient treatment. Don’t ignore these warning signs if you’re suffering unexpected mobility difficulties, weariness, or inexplicable muscle stiffness; see a doctor!

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