POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA
Definition
Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a disease of the joints that cause stiffness and aching.
Parts of the body that may be involved
The neck, shoulder and hip areas are mostly involved.
Who is affected
Almost always in seen in people over age 50. The average age is about 70. It occurs twice as often in women than in men.
Signs and Symptoms
• Stiffness of neck, shoulder and hip joints
• Aching of neck, shoulder and hip joints
• Most of the time, the symptoms start suddenly
• Stiffness worse in the morning or periods of inactivity
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Slight fever
• Numbness and tingling in the fingers may occur
• Hand and knee joints may swell
Causes
The pain and stiffness is usually caused by swelling of the joins and surrounding soft tissue. It is not know what the causes are. Some people have a certain gene that makes them more susceptible to Polymyalgia Rheumatica. For diagnosis and treatment, make an appointment with your doctor.
