polymyalgia
/ˌpɒlɪmʌɪˈaldʒ(ɪ)ə
/(in full polymyalgia rheumatica /ˌpɒlɪmʌɪˈaldʒ(ɪ)ə rʊˈmatɪkə/)
noun [mass noun] Medicine
A disorder of the connective tissue characterized by pain and stiffness of the muscles, often occurring in association with temporal arteritis (in which the arteries supplying blood to the head become inflamed or damaged): liver function tests show mild abnormalities in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica...
- A trial of a corticosteroid given in a low dosage may be helpful, because rapid relief of symptoms is characteristic of polymyalgia rheumatica.
- In patients with polymyalgia rheumatica, symptoms may develop abruptly or insidiously.
- If your polymyalgia is slow to respond to steroids, you might want to try one of these alternatives.
Origin
1930s: from poly- 'many, much' + myalgia 'pain in a muscle or muscles'.