I thought I was just getting old - I'd never heard of PMR

A new research project in Leeds has revealed the hidden struggle of people living with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) - a painful, often misunderstood inflammatory condition that primarily affects older adults.

- by Harriet Sutton

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips and affects tens of thousands across the UK each year. It is commonly treated with long-term corticosteroids, which carry serious side effects if not carefully managed. Yet awareness of the disease is low - even among healthcare professionals.

Dr Sarah Mackie, honorary consultant in rheumatology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and associate professor in vascular rheumatology at the University of Leeds, said: "PMR can be an isolating condition.