Polymyalgia Rheumatica

<aside> 📌 Often associated with giant cell (temporal) arteritis.

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Epidemiology

• More common in females > 50 years old.

Symptoms

• Pain and stiffness in proximal muscles (e.g., shoulders, hips).
• Additional Symptoms: Fever, malaise, weight loss.

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Does not cause muscular weakness.

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Laboratory Tests

• ↑ ESR, CRP
• Normal CK.

Treatment

• Rapid response to low-dose glucocorticoids.

Fibromyalgia

Epidemiology

• Most common in females 20–50 years old.

Symptoms

• Chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain associated with tender points (soft tissue tenderness)
• Stiffness
• Paresthesia
• Poor sleep
• Fatigue
• Cognitive disturbance ("fibro fog")
• Depression

Laboratory Tests

• Normal ESR, CRP
• Normal CK

Treatment

• Regular exercise