The disease is common in people over 65 years of age.
During polymyalgia rheumatica a person complains of muscle pain and stretching.
Causes
The exact cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown. Two factors appear to be involved in the development of this condition: genetics and environmental factors.
Giant cell arteritis
Polymyalgia rheumatica and another disease known as giant cell arteritis share many similarities.
Many people who have one of these diseases also have symptoms of the other.
Giant cell arteritis results in inflammation in the lining of the arteries.
The signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica usually occur on both sides of the body and might include:
- Headache
- Pain in the jaw area;
- Sight problems;
- Hypersensitivity to the scalp.
In untreated clinical cases, the risk of stroke and vision loss is significantly increased.
Risk factors for polymyalgia rheumatica include:
- Age. Polymyalgia rheumatica affects older adults almost exclusively. It most often occurs between ages 70 and 80.
- Sex. Women are about two to three times more likely to develop the disorder.
Complications
Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica can greatly affect your ability to perform everyday activities, such as:
- Getting out of bed, standing up from a chair or getting out of a car
- Bathing
- Combing your hair
- Getting dressed
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-
rheumatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20376539
