This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

How is inflammation treated in PMR?

Controlling inflammation is the central goal because it drives the pain and stiffness of PMR. First-line therapy is low to moderate doses of glucocorticoids (oral corticosteroids), which often produce noticeable improvement within days. Treatment starts under a physician’s guidance and is tailored to symptoms and blood tests that track inflammation. Over weeks to months the steroid dose is gradually tapered to the lowest effective amount. Regular monitoring helps detect relapses — renewed or worsening symptoms — that may require dose adjustment. In some cases, additional medications are considered to limit steroid exposure.

What helps pain control for daily life?

Pain from PMR can be intense and interfere with sleep and daily activities. While corticosteroids are the most effective way to relieve pain by reducing inflammation, adjunct measures can help manage discomfort while doses are tapered. Simple analgesics such as acetaminophen can be useful; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may offer modest benefit for some people but are often insufficient alone. Heat, cold packs, gentle massage, proper pacing of activity, and sleep hygiene techniques can also reduce pain. Discuss safe pain reliever choices with your clinician, especially if you have other medical conditions.

How to reduce stiffness and improve muscle function?

Stiffness, particularly in the mornings, is a hallmark of PMR and can limit movement. Regular, gentle range-of-motion exercises and short daily walks help preserve flexibility and prevent deconditioning. A physical therapist can design a graded program that improves mobility without overexertion. Because long-term steroid use can contribute to muscle weakness and loss of bone density, strength training (as tolerated) and protein-rich nutrition are recommended to support muscle health. Balance exercises lower fall risk, which is important during periods of weakness.

Are there alternatives to long-term steroids?

Because prolonged steroid use carries side effects, clinicians sometimes add steroid-sparing agents for patients with relapsing disease, contraindications to steroids, or intolerable side effects. Methotrexate is commonly used as a steroid-sparing option and may reduce relapse rates in selected patients when managed by a specialist. Biologic agents that target specific inflammatory pathways, such as interleukin-6 inhibitors, have been used in refractory cases, but these treatments require specialist referral, careful testing, and monitoring for infections and other risks. Any nonsteroid regimen should be discussed with a rheumatologist to balance benefits and potential adverse effects.

How does treatment protect overall health?

Managing PMR isn’t only about easing immediate symptoms — it also means safeguarding long-term health. Corticosteroid therapy can raise blood sugar, blood pressure, and infection risk, and it accelerates bone loss. Preventive measures include baseline and follow-up bone density testing, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, lifestyle measures to support bone and cardiovascular health, and consideration of bone-protecting medications for those at high fracture risk. Vaccinations should be reviewed before starting certain immunosuppressive drugs. Because PMR can overlap with giant cell arteritis (which can threaten vision), prompt evaluation for new headaches, jaw pain, or vision changes is critical.

Conclusion

Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica centers on rapid control of inflammation with tailored glucocorticoid therapy, supportive measures to reduce pain and stiffness, and strategies to protect muscle and bone during recovery. Steroid-sparing medications or biologics may be appropriate for some patients under specialist care. Long-term management emphasizes monitoring and preventative care to preserve overall health and reduce treatment-related risks.