Joint stiffness

Joint Stiffness

Joint stiffness refers to the sensation of difficulty moving a joint or the apparent loss of range of motion of a joint. Joint stiffness often accompanies joint pain and/or swelling. Joint stiffness can be caused by injury or disease of the joint and is a common symptom of arthritis.

Causes

Joint stiffness can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Arthritis: This is a common cause of joint stiffness, particularly in the morning. There are many types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
• Injury: An injury to a joint can cause stiffness, particularly if the injury results in damage to the ligaments or tendons around the joint.
• Infection: Infections can cause inflammation and swelling in the joints, leading to stiffness.
• Gout: This is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and stiffness.
• Lupus: This is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints.

Symptoms

The main symptom of joint stiffness is a reduced range of motion in the joint. This can make it difficult to perform certain tasks or movements. Other symptoms can include:

• Pain: This can occur during movement or at rest.
• Swelling: The joint may appear larger than normal.
• Redness: The skin over the joint may appear red or warm to the touch.

Treatment

Treatment for joint stiffness depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Physical therapy: This can help to improve flexibility and strength in the joint.
• Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and other medications can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the joint.

See also

• Arthritis
• Joint pain
• Inflammation

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