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How common is polymyalgia?

How common is polymyalgia?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an age-related condition. Most people diagnosed with it are over 70, and it’s very rare in people younger than 50. It’s also more common in women than men. It’s estimated 1 in every 1,200 people in the UK develop the condition every year.

Is polymyalgia rheumatica a lifelong condition?

PMR is a chronic, but treatable, inflammatory syndrome that affects patients aged 50 years or older.

What do you need to know about polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness from inflammation. The symptoms are worst after you have not used the muscles for a period of time. For example, it may be difficult to get out of bed when you wake up in the morning. Polymyalgia rheumatica usually affects people older than 50 years, often after age 70.

Can other illnesses mimic polymyalgia rheumatica?

ANSWER. Yes. Some other illnesses that may be confused with polymyalgia rheumatica include: Rheumatoid arthritis. Infections. Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) Chemical and hormonal abnormalities.

What are the symptoms of polymyalgia?

The signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica usually occur on both sides of the body and might include: Aches or pain in your shoulders. Aches or pain in your 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.

Are fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica the same thing?

Fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) involve chronic pain and can seem similar. However, they’re different conditions, with fibromyalgia characterized by the central nervous system’s abnormal processing of pain and other sensory signals, and PMR involving inflammation that’s likely autoimmune in nature.