Polymyalgia rheumatica typically presents with what pattern?

Polymyalgia rheumatica typically presents with what pattern?

• A. Symmetrical pain and stiffness in the shoulder and hip girdles in people over age 50 with morning stiffness > 30 minutes
• B. Asymmetrical hip joint swelling in young adults
• C. Severe muscle weakness with proximal girdle involvement
• D. Acute monoarticular knee pain after trauma

Answer: (A)

Polymyalgia rheumatica presents as inflammatory pain and stiffness in the proximal girdle muscles, especially the shoulders and hips, in adults over 50, with morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes. This symmetric, proximal pattern is the defining feature and helps separate PMR from conditions that involve the joints or muscles differently—for example, asymmetrical or younger-age hip involvement, true proximal muscle weakness from myopathy, or acute trauma-related knee pain. The stiffness reflects inflammation around the periarticular structures rather than true muscle weakness, and patients often improve with low-dose corticosteroids.

Polymyalgia rheumatica presents as inflammatory pain and stiffness in the proximal girdle muscles, especially the shoulders and hips, in adults over 50, with morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes. This symmetric, proximal pattern is the defining feature and helps separate PMR from conditions that involve the joints or muscles differently—for example, asymmetrical or younger-age hip involvement, true proximal muscle weakness from myopathy, or acute trauma-related knee pain. The stiffness reflects inflammation around the periarticular structures rather than true muscle weakness, and patients often improve with low-dose corticosteroids.