What are typical symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is characterized by pain and stiffness predominantly in the proximal muscles, which affects areas like the shoulders and hips. This condition usually presents with bilateral symptoms, and patients often describe a notable stiffness that tends to be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. A significant aspect of polymyalgia rheumatica is that it does not cause swelling or redness in the joints, which distinguishes it from other inflammatory arthritis conditions.

The other symptoms listed, such as joint swelling and redness, are more indicative of other forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis. Rapid breathing and heart palpitations could stem from numerous cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions but are not directly associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. Skin rashes and heat intolerance are typically seen in autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, rather than in polymyalgia rheumatica, which emphasizes the correct identification of symptoms and enhances diagnostic accuracy.