Most people develop polymyalgia rheumatica after age 50. Sometimes this condition occurs with temporal arteritis, a more serious condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the arteries.
Symptoms usually develop quickly and include aching of the shoulders, neck, or hips.
Treatment is usually a low dose of an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone. Although treatment often lasts two to three years, most people start to feel better within a day or two.
More than 200,000 US cases per year
Treatable by a medical professional
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging often required
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders. Signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (pol-e-my-AL-juh rue-MAT-ih-kuh) usually begin quickly and are worse in the morning.
Most people who develop polymyalgia rheumatica are older than 65. It rarely affects people under 50.
This condition is related to another inflammatory called giant cell arteritis. Giant cell arteritis can cause headaches, vision difficulties, jaw pain and scalp tenderness. It’s possible to have both conditions together.
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