Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). The Disease That Causes Severe Morning Stiffness.

📩 Contact us: talkingwithdocs@gmail.com Waking up with aching shoulders and hips… struggling to get out of bed… feeling stiff for hours in the morning? It could be more than just getting older. In this episode of Talking With Docs, Dr. Brad Weening and Dr. Paul Zalzal are joined by Dr. Natasha Sheikh, Internal Medicine Physician at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, to discuss polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) — a painful inflammatory condition that often affects adults over 50 and can significantly impact daily life. Dr. Natasha Sheikh explains what polymyalgia rheumatica actually is, why it happens, the symptoms doctors look for, and why early diagnosis matters. The conversation also covers treatment with prednisone, how long symptoms may last, potential side effects of steroid therapy, and an important related condition called giant cell arteritis that needs urgent medical attention. You’ll learn: • What polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is • Who is most likely to develop it • Why PMR causes shoulder and hip stiffness • Common symptoms and warning signs • Why symptoms are often worse in the morning • How PMR is diagnosed • Why there is no single blood test for PMR • What doctors look for during an exam • Why prednisone is commonly used • How quickly treatment may help symptoms • Why treatment often lasts months to years • Common side effects of steroid medications • How PMR can affect bone health and blood sugar • Why tapering steroids takes time • The connection between PMR and giant cell arteritis • Symptoms like headache, jaw pain, or vision changes that need urgent medical attention • When to see your doctor for ongoing pain and stiffness • Why staying active can still be important during recovery The doctors also discuss why PMR can feel frustrating and overwhelming at first, but that with proper treatment and monitoring, symptoms often improve and many people are able to stay active and return to normal routines. 🎧 Listen on Your Favourite Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OFxEjictC41CCS1z2AVKe Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/talking-with-docs/id1799242189 YouTube Music: • TWD Podcast 👕 Shop Our MERCH: https://www.spreadshirt.ca/shop/user/talking+with+docs/ ❤️ Support Oakville Hospital: https://donate.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com 📱 Follow Us: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkingwithdocs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithdocs/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063617375848 🛑 DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider before making medical decisions. Full disclaimer at talkingwithdocs.com. #PolymyalgiaRheumatica #PMR #Inflammation #JointPain #MorningStiffness #HealthyAging #AutoimmuneDisease #MedicalEducation #DoctorsExplain #TalkingWithDocs