Joint stiffness is a situation in which the ability to move the articulation is limited or even null. Only concern one or more joints, can be associated with trauma and worsen slowly due to illness or underlying wear of the joint tissues.
The stiffness may be continuous, associated with specific activities or occur only at certain times of the day. It can also be associated with other symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, cramps and soreness. Furthermore depending on the presence of other disorders stiffness it may be accompanied by bleeding, bruising, burning, itching, numbness of a body part, redness, swelling or overheating of the joint, abdominal pain or cramps, cough, fatigue, fever and chills , headache, muscle spasms and convulsions, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, sore throat, and swelling of the liver, spleen or lymph nodes.
Among the possible causes of joint stiffness are included: gout, arthritis, various forms of arthritis, trauma, infection , taking certain medications, inflammation and tumors.
What kind of diseases can be associated with joint stiffness?
The following diseases may be associated with joint stiffness:
- Acromegaly
- Septic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Arthrosis
- Abscess
- Bursitis
- Hepatitis
- Influence
- Leukemia
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Lyme disease
- Mononucleosis
- Mumps
- Osteomyelitis
- Psoriasis
- Rubella
- Scleroderma
- Reiter's syndrome
- Spondylitis
- Tendinitis
- Tenosynovitis
- Bone cancer
- African trypanosomiasis
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for stiff joints?
Since the stiffness can be linked to serious illnesses, it is important to contact your doctor so you can find the most appropriate remedy. After an appropriate diagnosis and treatment is important to follow the treatment prescribed by the doctor to protect your joints, counter the possible pain and avoid worsening or complications.
In general, medication may be prescribed to help your physical therapy. You may also need to lose the excess weight. In many cases, the stillness is not a solution. In cases where you have to deal with rheumatoid arthritis, it is better to alternate moments of rest at times when trying to move the affected joints.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of stiff joints?
In case of joint stiffness, it is good to seek medical attention if the problem is persistent or relapsing. You should seek emergency help if: it is associated with the protrusion of a bone from the skin, in an intense bleeding, a fever is not accompanied by flu-like symptoms and a paralysis or inability to move a body part.
