An uncommon disease of elderly people, marked by pain and stiffness in the muscles of the hips, thighs, shoulders, and neck. Symptoms are worse in the mornings. The cause is unknown, but the condition may be associated with temporal arteritis. It is unusual before the age of 50. The diagnosis is often difficult to confirm and is based on the patient’s history, a physical examination, and blood tests (including an ESR). If temporal arteritis is suspected, a biopsy may be performed on an artery at the side of the scalp. Corticosteroid drugs usually improve the condition within a few days.
Polymyalgia rheumatica |
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