Over time, PMR can drastically limit your range of motion, especially in your shoulders and hips, leading to major difficulties with even simple movements like bending over or climbing stairs. Many people start avoiding activity altogether, which only makes the condition worse. Although PMR doesn’t typically damage joints like rheumatoid arthritis, it can still affect knees, wrists, and elbows with enough pain to disrupt daily life.
Other common symptoms include fatigue, low-grade fever, unintentional weight loss, and even mood changes due to ongoing discomfort. The good news? PMR usually responds very well to treatment—most patients feel relief within days of starting corticosteroids like prednisone. So if you or someone you know is dealing with unexplained stiffness, pain, or fatigue, it’s important to speak with a doctor right away. Early diagnosis can mean faster recovery, a better quality of life—and avoiding months or even years of unnecessary suffering.