Final answer:
Polymyalgia rheumatica occurs in more than half of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints of the hands, feet, and cervical spine. Immune cells from the blood enter joints and the synovium, causing cartilage breakdown, swelling, and inflammation of the joint lining.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polymyalgia rheumatica occurs in more than half of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints of the hands, feet, and cervical spine.
The affected joints become swollen, stiff, and painful. Immune cells from the blood enter joints and the synovium causing cartilage breakdown, swelling, and inflammation of the joint lining.
Breakdown of cartilage causes bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain. Rheumatologists can diagnose RA based on symptoms such as joint inflammation and pain, imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs, as well as blood tests.