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.

What medical treatments are used?

The primary medical treatment for PMR is low-dose glucocorticoids (oral prednisone or equivalent). Most people experience substantial symptom improvement within days to weeks after starting steroids. The initial dose and the pace of tapering depend on symptom severity and blood tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP). For steroid-reduction strategies or refractory cases, some clinicians use disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate. In certain situations—especially when PMR overlaps with giant cell arteritis—closer specialist care and alternative immunomodulatory agents may be considered.

How are seniors affected and treated?

PMR mainly affects people over 50, with incidence increasing with age. Treatment must account for common senior issues: multiple medications, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and fall risk. Long-term steroid use can worsen blood sugar control, bone density, and infection risk, so clinicians often add bone-protective measures (calcium, vitamin D, and possibly bisphosphonates) and monitor DEXA scans. Regular medication reviews, attention to cardiovascular risk factors, and coordination with primary care or geriatric teams help tailor therapy for older patients while minimizing adverse effects.

How does polymyalgia relate to arthritis?

While PMR is sometimes described alongside arthritis, it differs from classic inflammatory arthritides like rheumatoid arthritis. PMR causes symmetric aching and morning stiffness in proximal muscles and periarticular structures rather than erosive joint disease. Lab tests generally show elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) but serologic markers typical of rheumatoid arthritis may be absent. Correct diagnosis matters because PMR typically responds quickly to low-dose steroids, whereas other arthritic conditions may require different immunosuppressive regimens.

How is pain managed?

Pain control in PMR combines pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches. Glucocorticoids often rapidly reduce pain by suppressing inflammation. Short-term use of acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may provide additional relief but are less effective than steroids. Physical therapy emphasizing gentle range-of-motion exercises, heat application, and gradual strengthening can improve function and reduce stiffness. Because many patients are seniors, pain management plans should consider renal function, gastrointestinal risk, and potential interactions with other medications.

How does treatment reduce inflammation?

Steroids are anti-inflammatory and typically normalize ESR and CRP as symptoms improve. Treatment monitoring includes clinical assessments and periodic inflammatory marker testing to guide dose reductions. When steroid side effects are problematic or when disease flares recur during tapering, clinicians may introduce steroid-sparing agents such as methotrexate or, in selected cases, targeted biologic therapy under rheumatology guidance. Addressing inflammation promptly also lowers the risk of associated conditions like giant cell arteritis, which requires a different urgency and treatment intensity.

Conclusion

Polymyalgia rheumatica treatment centers on prompt anti-inflammatory therapy, usually with low-dose glucocorticoids, combined with measures to reduce steroid-related harms and maintain mobility. Management for seniors requires extra attention to comorbidities, bone health, and medication interactions. Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional—often including a rheumatologist—is important for adjusting treatment, monitoring inflammatory markers, and deciding whether additional or alternative therapies are needed.