Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that many people have never heard of, yet it affects thousands of older adults every year. It’s an inflammatory disorder that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips.

While it may sound similar to other conditions like fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica has distinct features that set it apart in terms of symptoms, causes, and treatment. The condition generally appears in people over the age of 50, and it’s most common in seniors over 65. Symptoms can come on suddenly or build up gradually over the course of several days. Often, this condition is also linked with another inflammatory disease known as giant cell arteritis. Recognizing the signs of polymyalgia rheumatica is important for early diagnosis and treatment, as the condition can severely impact daily life if left unaddressed.

One of the most common early symptoms is pain in both shoulders. This pain can make routine activities like dressing, reaching for objects, or even brushing your hair incredibly difficult. It tends to be worse at night and can spread into the upper arms, causing a persistent, deep ache that doesn’t go away easily. Over time, the discomfort can become so pronounced that it interferes with sleep. In many cases, the pain doesn’t stop at the shoulders. It often radiates to other major muscle groups, such as the neck, buttocks, hips, thighs, and upper arms. This widespread pain can make simple actions—like sitting down, bending over, or standing up—feel overwhelming. After doing tasks that require repetitive motion, or even after sitting still for too long, the pain can intensify, creating a vicious cycle that discourages movement and worsens the stiffness.

Speaking of stiffness, this is another hallmark symptom of polymyalgia rheumatica. Many people report feeling like their muscles are “locked” when they wake up in the morning or after being inactive for a period of time. This stiffness usually lasts more than an hour and doesn’t just affect one area—it can occur in various parts of the body. Even sitting in the same position for a short while can cause a flare-up. While some mild movement may provide temporary relief, the overall impact on mobility can be long-lasting without medical attention. As the stiffness becomes more severe, many individuals find that their range of motion starts to decrease.

For instance, lifting your arms above your head might feel almost impossible, and your hips may not allow you to climb stairs or stand up from a chair without pain. This reduced mobility often leads people to limit their movements in an effort to avoid discomfort, but doing so only causes muscles to weaken over time, making the problem worse. While pain in the shoulders and hips is most common, polymyalgia rheumatica can also affect the knees, elbows, and wrists. This can be confusing, as some might assume they’re dealing with arthritis. However, unlike rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica doesn’t usually cause swelling or permanent joint damage. Still, the combination of joint and muscle pain can make everyday tasks—like typing on a keyboard or walking around the house—feel nearly impossible. In addition to pain and stiffness, there are several other symptoms worth paying attention to. Some individuals develop a low-grade fever or experience a general feeling of fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest.

Others report a loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, or even feelings of depression, often brought on by the frustrations of limited mobility and chronic pain. These symptoms may not always be present, but when they are, they can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life. As people age, they become more vulnerable to conditions like polymyalgia rheumatica, which can quietly creep in and take a toll on daily functioning. If you or a loved one starts experiencing consistent muscle stiffness, especially in the shoulders or hips, or joint pain in areas like the knees or wrists, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can make a significant difference in managing symptoms, preserving mobility, and maintaining overall well-being.