Polymyalgia Rheumatica.
Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005
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Figure 1 - Areas usually affected by PMR SymptomsSymptoms Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) typically starts very suddenly. People
with PMR may be perfectly well one day and then feel the full effects
of this disease the next day. PMR causes stiffness and aching of the
muscles about the neck, shoulders, and hips (see figure 1). Most people
with PMR have symptoms in at least two of these three areas. The
shoulder region includes the muscles of the upper arm. The hip region
includes the muscles of the lower back and thighs.
Stiffness is a major feature of PMR. It is worst first thing in the
morning and when it is severe, people complain that they have to roll
themselves out of bed. Pain typically wakes people at night, and
turning over in bed may be difficult. The stiffness may be worse during
periods of inactivity, such as after a long car ride.
PMR may cause other symptoms. These include fatigue,
weight loss, and a slight fever. Joints in other areas of the body may
ache as well. Sometimes joints in the hands swell. Numbness and
tingling in the fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome) also may occur with PMR.
Most persons with this disease have been in good health before their
first symptoms. People often do not understand why they feel so
terrible when the disease begins. These symptoms usually make them feel
very different than before and can be quite overwhelming because of
their effect on everyday life.
PMR usually is not associated with any other disease. However, a
person with PMR also may develop other forms of arthritis. Some people
with PMR also have a condition called giant cell arteritis, which is
described later.
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