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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica include:
- Aches or pain in your shoulders (often the first symptom)
- Aches or pain in your neck, lower back, buttocks, hips or thighs
- Tenderness in your upper arms
- Stiffness in affected areas, particularly in the morning or after prolonged inactivity, such as a long car ride
- Limited range of motion in affected areas
- Pain or stiffness in wrists or knees (less common)
When pain and stiffness first appear, it's common to have more general signs and symptoms, including:
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
- A general feeling of not being well (malaise)
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
- Depression
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you experience aches, pains or stiffness that:
- Is new
- Disrupts your sleep
- Limits your ability to do activities of daily living
References
- Michet CJ, et al. Polymyalgia rheumatica. BMJ. 2008;336:765.
- Unwin B, et al. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. American Family Physician. 2006;74:1547.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/polymyalgiarheumatica.asp. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual of Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec04/ch033/ch033i.html. Accessed April 6, 2010.
- Salvarani C, et al. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant-cell arteritis. Lancet. 2008;372:234.
- Giant cell arteritis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/giantcellarteritis.asp. Accessed April 15, 2010.
- Glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/gi-osteoporosis.asp. Accessed April 15, 2010.
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