What should you know about the most common symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects the areas around the shoulders and hips. People may find it hard to raise an arm, turn in bed, stand from a chair, or get dressed because pain and stiffness restrict movement. Morning Joint Stiffness can be prominent and may return after sitting still. Tiredness, a mild feverish feeling, reduced appetite, or unplanned weight change can occur, but symptoms vary.

The condition affects tissues around joints more than it weakens muscle itself. Muscle Weakness can feel similar when movement is painful, so a clinician needs to distinguish reduced power from pain-limited movement and consider other causes.

Write down when the stiffness began, which movements are difficult, and whether symptoms are worse after rest. Mention headaches, jaw discomfort while chewing, scalp tenderness, or visual symptoms because these can change the urgency of assessment. A clinician may examine your shoulders and hips and arrange blood tests or other checks. Once a treatment plan is established, gentle movement and Physiotherapy may help maintain function without forcing painful ranges.

Arrange medical review for new shoulder and hip aching with pronounced stiffness, particularly when daily activities become difficult. Seek same-day urgent help for a new severe headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, double vision, or any loss or change of vision. These symptoms can signal inflammation affecting blood vessels and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Does my shoulder and hip pattern fit polymyalgia rheumatica or another condition? Which tests are needed? What symptoms should prompt urgent contact? How can I move safely while stiffness settles? Could Physiotherapy support dressing, walking, or getting up from a chair?