PMR

Medical abbreviation · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology

PMR
Stands forPolymyalgia rheumatica
CategoriesMedical

PMR stands for Polymyalgia rheumatica, a musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviation.

Inflammatory condition of people over 50 causing aching and morning stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips, usually with raised ESR or CRP. Symptoms improve dramatically within days of low-dose prednisone, a response that supports the diagnosis.

Example: PMR: bilateral shoulder girdle stiffness 2 hours each morning, CRP 48; prednisone 15 mg daily, taper slowly.

Usage notes

PMR is closely linked to giant cell arteritis, which occurs in a minority of PMR patients, so headache, jaw pain or vision changes demand urgent evaluation. Most patients need steroids for one to two years. Sarilumab, an IL-6 receptor blocker, was approved for PMR in 2023.

More musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations

  • OCD – Osteochondritis dissecans
  • OI – Osteogenesis imperfecta
  • ORIF – Open reduction and internal fixation
  • PFPS – Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • PJI – Periprosthetic joint infection
  • PM – Polymyositis
  • PRP – Platelet-rich plasma
  • PsA – Psoriatic arthritis
  • RA – Rheumatoid arthritis
  • RCT – Rotator cuff tear
  • RICE – Rest, ice, compression and elevation
  • RSA – Reverse shoulder arthroplasty

See all 71 musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.