Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica causes pain and prolonged morning stiffness around the shoulders and hips, mainly in people over 50. It often responds quickly to corticosteroids, but follow-up checks are needed.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

Polymyalgia rheumatica causes pain and prolonged morning stiffness around the shoulders and hips, mainly in people over 50. It often responds quickly to corticosteroids, but follow-up checks are needed.

  • Pain and stiffness in both shoulders, upper arms, hips or thighs.
  • Morning stiffness often lasting more than 45 minutes.
  • Take prednisolone exactly as prescribed and never stop suddenly.
  • Report a new headache, jaw pain or visual symptoms immediately.
  • Call the same day for a new headache, jaw pain when chewing, scalp tenderness or double vision.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
R
Rheumatic conditionsRheumatic conditions are a broad group of disorders affecting joints, muscles, tendons, bones and connective tissue. Causes and treatments vary greatly. Persistent swelling, prolonged morning stiffness or a hot joint with fever require medical assessment.
A
AppendicitisAppendicitis is inflammation of the appendix that needs urgent care. Pain often starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side. Symptoms may worsen quickly and hospital treatment is usually needed.
M
Mpox (monkeypox)Mpox is a viral infection often causing changes to the skin or mucous membranes, fever and pain. It spreads mainly through direct and prolonged close contact.