What actually helps?
Steroids are the main treatment and work quickly. Staying active, protecting the bones, and catching relapses and warning signs early all help.
Prednisolone relieves the symptoms rather than removing the cause, and the dose is reduced slowly. Painkillers such as paracetamol may help, and methotrexate may be added for frequent relapses. Activity usually eases pain and stiffness; walking is often the best fit.
Treatment decisions belong to the person who is ill and their doctors. Your part is support, not management: knowing what the guidelines say helps you understand what they're doing and why, so you can make it easier rather than work against it by accident.
Sources
- NHS: Polymyalgia rheumatica, treatment
- Arthritis UK (formerly Versus Arthritis): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
- Toyoda, Mackie, Yates et al.: The 2026 British Society for Rheumatology guideline for the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (Rheumatology 2026;65(10):keag502)
Reviewed 2026-11-09 · next review 2027-11-09