Polymyalgia rheumatica
Evidence: Immune-mediated
Names
Description
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an autoimmune disease that causes an inflammatory reaction affecting the lining of joints, especially the shoulders and hips, and sometimes the arteries and some major branches of the aorta. It is usually associated with giant cell arteritis.
Patient Groups
Bloggers
We could not find any current blogs for this disease. If you have a blog with entries within the past year or know of a blog, please contact us.
Prevalence
US cases: 708,000 - 816,000 [Crowson 2017]. Based on prevalence within the US over-50 population (34% of US total population).
Typical Age of onset
The average age at diagnosis is 70. PMR is rarely diagnosed in individuals younger than 50.
Symptoms
May occur on both sides of the body and might include:
Aches/pain in shoulders, neck, upper arms, buttocks, hips or thighs
Stiffness in affected areas, particularly in the morning or after being inactive for a time
Limited range of motion in affected areas
Pain or stiffness in your wrists, elbows or knees
Generalized symptoms may include
Fever
Weakness
Fatigue
Weight loss
Generally feeling ill
