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Definition

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder involving pain and stiffness in the hip or shoulder area.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder that almost always occurs in people over 50 years old. The cause is unknown. Although symptoms are located mainly in the muscles and there are no outward signs of arthritis, in some cases there is evidence of inflammatory Arthritis.

The disorder may occur alone, or with or before temporal arteritis, which is an inflammation of blood vessels (usually in the head).

Symptoms

Note: Symptoms usually come on suddenly.

Signs and tests

Fever may be the only symptom in some cases (the person has a fever for no known reason). There may also be signs of temporal arteritis.

Blood tests are nonspecific.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is relief of discomfort and stiffness. The disease can be very bothersome if it is not treated. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are prescribed in low doses.

Expectations (prognosis)

Polymyalgia rheumatica usually goes away by itself, even when not treated, in 1 to 4 years. Symptoms diminish greatly with treatment. Most patients need steroid treatment for 1 or more years.

Complications

Polymyalgia rheumatica may occur before the onset of giant cell arteritis or other disorders.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience persistent weakness or stiffness of the pelvis or shoulder, especially if this is accompanied by symptoms of general illness, such as fever or headache.

Prevention

There is no known prevention.

ReferencesUnwin B, Williams CM, Gilliland W. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis.Am Fam Physician; 2006; 74(9):1547-1554.
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polymyalgia rheumatica


What is the medical condition polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a syndrome that causes pain and stiffness in the hips and shoulders of people over the age of 50.


What does the term polymyalgia mean?

Polymyalgia means "pain in many muscles". It is usually associated with the condition Polymyalgia rheumatica, a form of pain and stiffness that affects muscle groups throughout the body often simultaneously.


What is the sex ratio of those that are afflicted with polymyalgia rheumatica?

Women are afflicted twice as often as men.


What are the key symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica?

If someone has polymyalgia rheumatica, they will more then likely endure stiffness in their neck, hips, and both shoulders. This stiffness will be worse in the morning and after long periods of inactivity. This stiffness will also be followed by limited range of motion in those joints.


What does P M R mean when written on a blood test request form?

PMR is an acronym for: polymyalgia rheumatica.


What does the medical abbreviation pmr mean?

Depending on context, it could mean polymyalgia rheumatica or patient medical report.


What is the age of onset for polymyalgia rheumatica?

Rarely does it affect people under 50 years old. The average age is 70.


What is a description of polymyalgia rheumatica?

The major characteristics are pain and stiffness, however patients are commonly so afflicted that their muscles atrophy from disuse.


What is the prevalence of polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica has a prevalence of about 0.5% in individuals over the age of 50. It is more common in people of Northern European descent and in women compared to men. The prevalence increases with age, peaking around 70-80 years old.


What is a geriatric inflammatory disorder of the muscles and joints?

A geriatric inflammatory is disorder of the muscles and joints. This is a type of rheumatoid arthritis and is characterized by pain.


What other diseases may those with polymyalgia rheumatica also develop?

Some patients develop arthritis or a disease called giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis.