Journal of General Practice Nursing (GPN) | September 2025

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Polymyalgia rheumatica: diagnosis and management

Polymyalgia rheumatica: diagnosis and management

Pages: 44 - 49

Article topics: Complications, Diagnosis, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Treatment

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease in older people. Three-quarters of people with PMR are women and individuals living in the south of England are at highest risk (Partington et al, 2018). Research indicates that around 17,244 people in England are diagnosed with PMR annually (Saha et al, 2023). This article aims to support general practice nurses (GPNs) in early recognition and diagnosis of PMR, effective treatment and prevention of complications such as blindness. It also focuses on preserving patient mobility and independence and minimising the risks associated with long-term corticosteroid treatment.

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