Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disease characterized by pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. It most commonly affects the neck, shoulders, and hips, but can influence the rest of the body as well.
People over the age of 50 are at greater risk of developing this condition. Symptoms are usually worse in the morning, or after long periods of inactivity. In addition to pain and stiffness, people with PMR may also experience fatigue, anemia, flu-like symptoms, low-grade fever, and overall weakness.
PMR seems to be associated with temporal arteritis, which is an inflammatory disease of blood vessels in the head.
Treatment usually involves corticosteroids which are continued for a few years following the onset of PMR. Sometimes the condition will resolve by itself, but the use of medication and lifestyle changes like exercise and a healthy diet may help speed up recovery.
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