Final answer:
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder with symptoms like muscle pain and stiffness. Lab findings usually indicate elevated acute-phase reactants like CRP and ESR. Treatment generally involves corticosteroids.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Signs, Symptoms, Lab Findings, and Treatment
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips. Signs and symptoms of PMR may include morning stiffness, aching of the upper arms, neck, lower back, and thighs, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Patients may also experience limited range of motion in the affected areas.
Lab findings in PMR often show elevated acute-phase reactants, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). These tests suggest inflammation but are not specific to PMR. Hence, they are used in conjunction with clinical presentation for diagnosis.
The treatment for PMR typically involves corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain. The dosage may be adjusted over time, and other medications may be added to manage symptoms or reduce corticosteroid side effects. Patients with PMR should be monitored regularly, as the condition can sometimes be associated with temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, which requires prompt treatment to prevent complications such as vision loss.