Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Definition:

A disorder involving pain in the hip area and stiffness, or shoulder pain and stiffness.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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

The disorder may occur independently, or it may coexist with or precede giant cell arteritis, which is an inflammation of blood vessels (usually in the head).

Symptoms:

hip pain and hip stiffness
shoulder pain and shoulder stiffness
neck pain and neck stiffness
muscle pain (minimal, less common than aching)
fever
weight loss
anemia
fatigue (excessive tiredness)
general ill feeling (malaise)
face pain
other joint pain

Note: Symptoms usually begin abruptly.

Signs and tests:

Fever may be the only symptom in some cases (the person has a fever of unknown origin). Signs of giant cell arteritis may also be present.

Blood tests are nonspecific.

The sedimentation rate (ESR) is often elevated.
Creatine kinase (CPK) is normal.
Hemoglobin or hematocrit may be normal or low.

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 resolves by itself, even when not treated, in 1 to 4 years. Symptoms diminish greatly with treatment.

Complications:

Polymyalgia rheumatica may precede 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 (fever or headache).

Prevention:

There is no known prevention.

Review Date: 12/1/2001
Reviewed By: Birgit Kovacs, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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