What does muscle weakness feel like with polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica commonly affects areas around both shoulders and hips. Getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, lifting the arms to wash your hair, or putting on a coat may feel difficult because movement is painful and stiff. This is different from a muscle that cannot produce force even when pain is controlled. Morning stiffness and fatigue may add to the sense of heaviness. Tell your clinician whether the limitation comes from pain, stiffness, or an actual loss of power.

Book a medical review for new shoulder or hip stiffness, especially when it limits ordinary tasks. Record when stiffness is worst, how long it lasts, whether both sides are involved, and any fever, tiredness, appetite change, or weight change. Keep joints moving gently and pace activities; avoid pushing through marked pain. Treatment decisions may include prescribed anti-inflammatory medicine and follow-up checks, with physiotherapy used to support mobility and strength when appropriate. Do not start or stop steroid medicine without medical guidance.

Seek urgent care for a new headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain while chewing, or any vision change, because these can signal inflammation affecting blood vessels near the head. Seek prompt review if weakness is rapidly progressing, one-sided, or present without pain, or if you develop fever or feel acutely unwell.

Does my difficulty come from pain and stiffness or measurable weakness? Which blood tests or examinations are needed? How should I move safely while symptoms settle? What head, jaw, or vision symptoms require emergency help?