Overview
Definition
Inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness, especially in shoulders and hips.
Epidemiology
Exclusively affects adults > 50 years.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Unknown inflammatory cause
Clinical Symptoms
- Severe bilateral pain/stiffness in shoulders, neck, and hips
- Worse in the morning
- No profound muscle weakness
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- Elevated ESR and CRP
- Rapid response to low-dose steroids
Management
- Low-dose Corticosteroids (Prednisone 10-20 mg/day)
Complications
- Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis) - medical emergency causing blindness