Polymyalgia Rheumatica primarily affects which parts of the body?

Enhance your knowledge with the Internal Medicine End of Rotation Exam. Challenge yourself with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations to ensure you excel.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica is characterized by significant pain and stiffness in the muscles, particularly affecting the proximal muscle groups. The primary areas of the body that are impacted consist of the shoulders, neck, and hips, which is a defining feature of this condition. Patients typically experience symmetrical symptoms, with noticeable discomfort and reduced range of motion in these regions.

This condition is often associated with systemic inflammation and is frequently seen in older adults. The pain and stiffness are most pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity, making the shoulders and hips particularly troublesome as patients often find it difficult to perform daily tasks.

In contrast to other options, conditions affecting the hands, feet, spine, or knees would not typically define Polymyalgia Rheumatica. These anatomic areas are not the primary sites where the hallmark symptoms of this disorder manifest, thus emphasizing why the shoulders, neck, and hips are specifically indicated as the areas most commonly involved.

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