Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia Rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects the muscles and joints, especially around the shoulders and hips. It causes pain and stiffness, which are often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This condition primarily affects people over the age of 50 and can make everyday movements difficult. The inflammation is due to the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Although it mainly involves the musculoskeletal system, it can also be associated with systemic symptoms like fatigue and mild fever. Early recognition is important to manage symptoms effectively.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by proximal muscle pain and stiffness, predominantly affecting the shoulder and pelvic girdles. It is believed to be caused by an immune-mediated process involving inflammation of synovial and periarticular structures. The condition is strongly associated with elevated inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). It typically occurs in individuals over 50 years old and has a close clinical and pathophysiological relationship with giant cell arteritis. The hallmark clinical features include morning stiffness lasting more than 45 minutes and bilateral aching in the affected areas. The disease is significant due to its impact on quality of life and potential complications if untreated.