What characterizes polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is primarily characterized by pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulder and hip regions. Patients often experience bilateral discomfort and reduced range of motion, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This condition is typically associated with inflammation of the joints and surrounding soft tissues, but it does not usually lead to significant joint swelling or deformity, making the focus on those specific areas of pain and stiffness crucial.

Additionally, while other options present symptoms that might overlap with different rheumatic conditions or systemic illnesses, they are not characteristic of polymyalgia rheumatica. Patients may not experience high fevers or substantial weight loss, and the condition does not typically involve the kind of joint swelling and deformities seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Likewise, muscle weakness and atrophy are more indicative of other muscle or systemic disorders rather than the primary features of polymyalgia rheumatica.