What condition is characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips?

The condition characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips, is polymyalgia rheumatica. This disorder often presents with bilateral pain and stiffness in the proximal muscle groups, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Patients commonly report difficulty with activities such as raising their arms or getting up from a seated position due to the discomfort and rigidity in the shoulder and hip areas.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is also associated with systemic symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, and is often found in individuals over the age of 50. It can be linked to inflammation and may respond positively to corticosteroid treatment.

While fibromyalgia also involves muscle pain and has a widespread distribution, it does not specifically focus on the shoulders and hips and is usually accompanied by a range of other symptoms, including fatigue and sleep disturbances. Osteoarthritis primarily involves joint pain and stiffness, particularly affecting weight-bearing joints and is more associated with wear-and-tear damage rather than muscle stiffness. Myositis refers to inflammation of the muscles and can include muscle weakness rather than the specific stiffness characteristic of polymyalgia rheumatica. Thus, polymyalgia rheumatica is the most appropriate condition fitting the described symptoms.