Joint stiffness is more of a symptom of an underlying condition or disease wherein there is limited joint range of motion. Joint stiffness is a common complaint among people with arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, it may be experienced by people who have been immobilized for a long time or by those who are unable to move their joint, such as in paralysis.
Joint stiffness and other signs and symptoms
In most cases, joint stiffness is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, depending on the underlying condition or injury. Some of these may include
Causes of joint stiffness
Joint stiffness can be caused by many conditions or disorders. It can be caused by arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or osteoarthritis. In some cases, it can result from a recent injury to the joint or any of the structures surrounding the joint. Joint stiffness is also common after a period of immobilization or not moving a joint for a long time due to pain, paralysis, or bone or joint injury.
Others may also experience joint stiffness as they grow older. As people age, normal lubrication in the joint may decrease and structures in and around the joint become tight causing stiffness.
What you can do
Applying heat can help relieve your joint pain and stiffness. However, if you have symptoms of an active inflammation, such as pain and tenderness on joint, swelling, warm joint and redness, it is best to treat them first with ice application or cold therapy. Applying heat during this time may make your symptoms worse.
When swelling has subsided, you can apply heat to help relieve your joint pain and stiffness. Perform simple range of motion exercises after applying heat.
Some people may benefit from performing exercises in the pool. Your physical therapist specializing in aquatic physical therapy can help you determine the best exercises for you while in the pool.
Treatment options
Sometimes, joint stiffness is not the only problem. Additional treatments may be necessary, such as
Your doctor will be able to help you find the best treatment option for your particular condition. Often, the treatments that you will receive will be a combination of therapies.
Need for surgery
Surgery may be recommended by your doctor if your joint stiffness and other symptoms persist that they affect your daily activities. Joint surgery, however, is considered only if conservative treatments do not relieve your symptoms, your symptoms worsen in spite of nonsurgical treatments, or you have extensive joint damage.
The type of surgery that you will receive depends on several factors including your age, severity of your injury, overall health, and needs.
Your doctor will discuss with you about what surgical options are available for your particular condition.
Physical therapy for joint stiffness
Physical therapy may be able to help you relieve your joint stiffness and other symptoms. Depending on the particular condition that you have, your physical therapist may provide you with a combination of therapeutic modalities including
It is best that you seek medical attention if you have severe joint symptoms or you have stiffness without apparent reason for proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember that joint stiffness is a symptom of an underlying condition. Finding the real cause of your joint stiffness is necessary so that appropriate treatment interventions can be done.
See Also
Suggested Readings
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Joint stiffness and other signs and symptoms
In most cases, joint stiffness is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, depending on the underlying condition or injury. Some of these may include
- Pain
- Tenderness when you touch or press on the joint
- Warm joint and redness
- Difficulty moving the joint
- Muscle weakness
Causes of joint stiffness
Joint stiffness can be caused by many conditions or disorders. It can be caused by arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or osteoarthritis. In some cases, it can result from a recent injury to the joint or any of the structures surrounding the joint. Joint stiffness is also common after a period of immobilization or not moving a joint for a long time due to pain, paralysis, or bone or joint injury.
Others may also experience joint stiffness as they grow older. As people age, normal lubrication in the joint may decrease and structures in and around the joint become tight causing stiffness.
What you can do
Applying heat can help relieve your joint pain and stiffness. However, if you have symptoms of an active inflammation, such as pain and tenderness on joint, swelling, warm joint and redness, it is best to treat them first with ice application or cold therapy. Applying heat during this time may make your symptoms worse.
- What Is Cold Therapy?
- RICE Therapy for Minor Injuries
- Applying Ice for a Sports Injury
- Applying Heat for Sports Injuries
When swelling has subsided, you can apply heat to help relieve your joint pain and stiffness. Perform simple range of motion exercises after applying heat.
Some people may benefit from performing exercises in the pool. Your physical therapist specializing in aquatic physical therapy can help you determine the best exercises for you while in the pool.
Treatment options
Sometimes, joint stiffness is not the only problem. Additional treatments may be necessary, such as
- Taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or prescription pain medications
- Steroid injections
- Ice and or heat therapy
- Soft tissue and joint mobilization
- Using walking aid or assistive device
- Exercises
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Surgery
Your doctor will be able to help you find the best treatment option for your particular condition. Often, the treatments that you will receive will be a combination of therapies.
Need for surgery
Surgery may be recommended by your doctor if your joint stiffness and other symptoms persist that they affect your daily activities. Joint surgery, however, is considered only if conservative treatments do not relieve your symptoms, your symptoms worsen in spite of nonsurgical treatments, or you have extensive joint damage.
The type of surgery that you will receive depends on several factors including your age, severity of your injury, overall health, and needs.
Your doctor will discuss with you about what surgical options are available for your particular condition.
Physical therapy for joint stiffness
Physical therapy may be able to help you relieve your joint stiffness and other symptoms. Depending on the particular condition that you have, your physical therapist may provide you with a combination of therapeutic modalities including
- Cold therapy;
- Electrotherapeutic and ultrasound therapy;
- Soft tissue and joint mobilization; and
- Exercises.
It is best that you seek medical attention if you have severe joint symptoms or you have stiffness without apparent reason for proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember that joint stiffness is a symptom of an underlying condition. Finding the real cause of your joint stiffness is necessary so that appropriate treatment interventions can be done.
See Also
Suggested Readings
- All About Knee Pain
- Common Causes of Hip Pain
- Common Shoulder Pain Causes
- Common Causes of Elbow Pain
View More Topics On:
Conditions / Injuries | Physical Therapy | Health and Wellness
P.S.: Thank you for visiting our website. If you found this information helpful, please share it with your family or friends by clicking on the Share Buttons below. Thank You!
Disclaimer
