Stiff joints refer to a medical condition characterized by a limited range of motion and discomfort in the joints, resulting in difficulty in moving them smoothly. This condition commonly affects the major weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, and ankles, but can also occur in smaller joints like the fingers, wrists, and shoulders.
Stiff joints can be caused by various factors including age-related degeneration, injury, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis. During normal joint movement, the cartilage lining the joint acts as a cushion and facilitates smooth motion. However, in cases of stiff joints, this cartilage may become damaged, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Common symptoms of stiff joints include a sensation of tightness, difficulty with joint flexibility, aching or throbbing pain, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes warmth or redness around the affected joint. Stiff joints may also exhibit crepitus, a cracking or popping sound during movement, indicating possible cartilage damage.
Treatment for stiff joints often involves a combination of strategies. Conservative approaches may include rest, physical therapy, strengthening exercises to support the joint, hot/cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. In more severe cases or for chronic conditions, a healthcare professional may prescribe medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Managing stiff joints also involves lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling, modifying activities that put excessive stress on the joints, and using assistive devices like braces or canes, if necessary. In some instances, surgical interventions, such as joint replacement or ar
