Hi, Welcome. PMR is a strange disease. I had my first bout 15 years ago, then was fine for 12 years. I had a recurrence 2 years ago, then a 3rd recurrence starting this December. The first time I was on prednisone 2 years, the 2nd time 10 months. I do wonder if I came off the prednisone too fast the second time and if this 3rd bout is because of that. I do take my prednisone at about 8:00 at night because it helps me sleep without the stiffness at night and, as a morning person, I am more active then. I do get symptomatic starting about 6 at night and into the evening. I have seen people split there dose and wonder about trying that. As far as the stiffness, I found a great description in the Mayo education piece. It described a “gelling” phenomenon, where your muscles get stiff when sitting, standing or laying, then loosen up as you move. I definitely notice that. My first rheumatologist recommended doing lots of range of motion exercise, but not weights. I have stayed with that advice. I try to read everything I can find, but have never found a cause or way to prevent recurrence. I am now 72 (almost 73). My CRP this time was 20 (normal 8-20).
Best wishes.