Polymyalgia rheumatica: clinical picture and principles of treatment.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common disease of the elderly. It is characterized by pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and the pelvic girdle. In most cases erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels are highly elevated. Polymyalgia rheumatica is frequently associated with giant cell arteritis. Steroids are the standard treatment for PMR but their dosage requires adjustment depending on clinical picture, co-morbid conditions and adverse effects. The most prominent features of the disease as well as the main principles of treatment are presented.