Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that mainly affects muscles of the hips, thighs, shoulders, and neck, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The cause is unknown.
The main symptoms are painful, stiff muscles in the morning; fever and night sweats; tiredness; weight loss; and depression. Symptoms may be accompanied by those of giant cell arteritis, such as headaches and scalp tenderness.
Treatment is with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
Often, treatment needs to be continued for about 2 years, or sometimes longer, to prevent symptoms recurring.

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