What is a common finding in patients diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica?

Joint stiffness in the morning is a hallmark symptom associated with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). This stiffness is characteristically severe and often lasts for more than 30 minutes after waking. It typically affects the shoulders, hips, and neck, making it challenging for patients to perform daily activities.

In contrast, severe headaches, skin rashes, and unilateral weakness are not characteristic features of PMR. While headaches can occasionally occur in patients with various rheumatic conditions, they are not common in PMR. Skin rashes might suggest different underlying conditions, such as connective tissue diseases, rather than PMR. Unilateral weakness raises concerns about neurological issues or other musculoskeletal conditions, rather than the bilateral joint stiffness and pain that define PMR.