What symptom is closely associated with polymyalgia rheumatica, especially in the context of temporal arteritis?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is characterized primarily by muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, hips, and neck. Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, is a hallmark symptom of the condition. This stiffness often leads to a significant decrease in the range of motion and can be quite debilitating.

When associated with temporal arteritis, or giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica can present alongside symptoms indicative of inflammation of the blood vessels, which includes headache, scalp tenderness, and potentially visual disturbances, which are caused by involvement of the arteries that supply the eyes. However, the primary presenting complaint associated with polymyalgia rheumatica itself remains joint stiffness.

Other symptoms like weight loss and severe fatigue can also occur in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis but are not as defining or characteristic of the disorder as joint stiffness. Thus, the close association of joint stiffness with polymyalgia rheumatica, especially in this context, makes it the correct choice.