Brief Answer:
polymyalgia rheumatica, steroids needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello, greetings! Thanks for posing your query in hcm.
Keeping your age into account, you seem to be suffering from a condition called polymyalgia rheumatica. You can find the needed help with a rheumatologist. I will try to help you with the knowledge I have.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica is an old age disorder associated with stiffness/pain of groups of muscles involving the shoulders, back, thighs and hips. The exact reason isn't known although immune system problems and genetic factors seem to play a role.

You mentioned that that you have had inflammatory problems earlier. I recommend you get an ESR test i.e., Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate test done, this gives an idea about any inflammation in the body. Also I would suggest a CRP test, i.e., C-reactive protein levels produced by the liver in response to any inflammation.

The treatment involves oral steroids like prednisolone starting with a low dose accompanied with gradual increase in the dosage. Aspirin and ibuprofen will help to reduce the pain. You can obtain a prescription for the above drugs at a local orthopaedician.


Eat a healthy diet along with plenty of whole grains, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid any strenous physical activity.

There is no PROVEN benefit of physiotherapy in polymyalgia rheumatica, but it can help in soothening and removing any discomfort.

A common pre-existing condition with polymyalgia is Giant cell arteritis. This causes inflammation in the arteries mainly supplying the eyes and the neck. The most common artery affected is temporal artery that supplies to the head and brain. This condition can be ruled out by undergoing a temporal artery biopsy.

Hope I answered all your queries. If you have any clarifications, please feel free to contact me or else please close this question and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.

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