Inflammatory condition over 50 causing bilateral shoulder and pelvic girdle pain and stiffness with raised inflammatory markers.
Clinical features
- • Bilateral shoulder/hip girdle ache
- • Morning stiffness >45 min
- • Difficulty rising from a chair or combing hair
Investigations
- • ESR/CRP raised
- • CK normal (distinguishes from myositis)
- • TFT, myeloma screen, ANA, RF to exclude mimics
Management
- • Prednisolone 15 mg OD — dramatic response within 1 week is expected
- • Taper slowly over 12–24 months
- • Bone protection and PPI
Clinical pearls
- • Absent steroid response within a week should prompt review of the diagnosis
- • Screen for GCA symptoms at every visit
Related in WardRound
Educational — verify locally.
