Is PMR a form of vasculitis?

Let’s add balance issues into the mix. In addition to leg pain with walking, I find myself unsteady and unbalanced. Have to be really careful not to fall. Have fallen twice during those periods.

I definitely agree about balance issues. Although I’m mostly in remission I still have heaviness in my legs, butt pain on getting up from a chair or couch and have to take care with balance. I fell on a stony beach near my home while walking the dog a few days ago with no apparent cause. So lucky to have no injuries but a big reminder to take extra care.

Hi @linda7, I, too, had pain all over my body from PMR from the neck down to the feet, arms and hands. I think of it as my "astronaut suit of pain and stiffness." I couldn't understand how when I managed to walk, my legs still felt so stiff. A doctor friend commented that I stayed so stiff and sore because I couldn't get blood flow to the afflicted areas. An infrared heating pad provided some relief while it was on. When I could manage manuvering around on a mat, I stretched on a foam roller and was able to feel a little tingling. I'm just so glad that with proper diagnosis and treatment, those days are behind me, for now, at least.

For me the balance issues I had seemed related to the stiffness and pain which made smooth, quick motions impossible. Balance involves a lot of small corrective movements to stay upright. I stopped riding my bike, even though I could do it. I just didn't feel safe or confident that I could make a sudden correction if I hit an obstacle or needed to avoid people or dogs. I'm back to bike riding and hiking now!

I am very interested to read this, particularly your reference to tingling of skin on the scalp. I was diagnosed with PMR in January and one of the odd things that seemed to be correlated with it was the desire to lightly scratch the top of my head. It does not feel itchy, but it does feel a bit weird. The tips of my fingers also feel weird in a similar way (my Dr said this was carpal tunnel syndrome). It is gratifying to see that I am not the only person with this (mild) symptom.

Welcome @maureenw, My PMR is currently in remission but I often have the desire or urge to scratch the top of my head even though I wouldn't consider it itchy. I found this interesting article that might explain the tingling.

"A tingling feeling in the scalp (paresthesia) can occur for many reasons, including anxiety, ASMR, chemical irritation, medication, migraines, nerve compression, skin sensitivity, and underlying health conditions. If you have chronic (ongoing) scalp tingling, see your healthcare provider." --- What Causes Tingling Scalp?: https://www.verywellhealth.com/tingling-scalp-causes-treatment-5216016.

Does your doctor have you on prednisone to treat the PMR and suggested a plan to taper off?

I too have balance issues. Opt for a small step ladder instead of standing on chairs now. Also will randomly tip over by times. Luckily I catch myself. Over the last week of tapering down by 1.25 mg of Prednisone, I've found my legs to feel very heavy. Again waking up through the night with neck and pain through my upper back. Almost migraine headaches. While the pain is manageable, the lack of sleep is difficult as I have to work in the mornings. Could be much worse, as we all know. I guess the motto should be "Slow down on all levels."

I was also diagnosed in January. Much tingling, in various places, but particularly the top of my head, even as I sit here typing. I thought I had dry scalp, but no. You're not wrong in saying you are "not the only person". So many of us with similar, yet different stories. Thanks for your input.

Thanks for the link. I was diagnosed with PMR at the end of January, started taking prednisone (15 mg) and am now at 9 mg, feeling very well.