Polymyalgia rheumatica

 

Overview

Characterized by muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and hips, equally affecting both sides of the body.  The pain and discomfort are normally so great that it interferes with normal day-to-day activities. PR may appear overnight, or more gradually, and may last up to several years.

Common Symptoms

Stiffness after resting, aches and pains in the shoulders, neck, upper arms, buttock, hips or thighs, as well as limited range of motion in the areas that are affected, pain and stiffness in wrists, elbows, or knees, fever, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite and depression.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Giant cell arteritis.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Age 70 – 80. Females are two to three times more likely to have the condition than males; being Scandinavian or related; certain genes. Environmental factors such as a change in season, or viral illness can be triggers.

Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes

    1. Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Polymyalgia Rheumatica. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/polymyalgia-rheumatica

    2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020, June 18). Polymyalgia rheumatica. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20376539#:~:text=Polymyalgia%20rheumatica%20is%20an%20inflammatory,are%20worse%20in%20the%20morning

    3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, February 5). Polymyalgia Rheumatica. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/polymyalgia-rheumatica

    4. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021, May 3). Polymyalgia Rheumatica | PMR. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/polymyalgiarheumatica.html

    5. Sufka, P. (n.d.). Polymyalgia Rheumatica. rheumatology.org. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Polymyalgia-Rheumatica