What should you know about polymyalgia rheumatica?

The discomfort is usually felt on both sides, with stiffness affecting everyday actions such as dressing, reaching or rising from a chair. Morning joint stiffness can be a prominent part of the experience. [Morning Joint Stiffness](/symptoms/morning-joint-stiffness/) is a symptom page with practical context. PMR is different from muscle weakness: pain and stiffness may make movement seem weak, while true loss of strength needs separate assessment.

Arrange a medical review rather than trying to identify PMR from symptoms alone. Keep a brief record of where stiffness occurs, how long it lasts, and whether it changes after treatment. Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed and discuss side effects before changing it. Gentle, regular movement can help preserve flexibility and confidence; a physiotherapist can tailor activity, pacing and strengthening to your abilities.

Protect your energy by alternating activity with rest, using supportive positions for sleep and avoiding sudden increases in exercise. [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) may help with safe movement and function.

Contact a clinician promptly if symptoms are new, rapidly worsening or stopping ordinary activities. Seek urgent medical help for a new severe headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain while chewing, visual change or sudden visual loss, because PMR can occur alongside inflammation affecting blood vessels. Also report fever, unusual weight loss or marked illness, particularly if treatment is not helping.

Ask which findings support PMR, what other conditions should be excluded, how you will monitor inflammation, and how treatment changes will be made. You can also ask how to stay active safely, which side effects need prompt reporting, and what symptoms require same-day help.