Joint Stiffness Causes & Symptoms: An Alarm to Other Joint Disorders

Joint Health Magazine is supported by our readers. When you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Joint Stiffness Causes & Symptoms: An Alarm to Other Joint Disorders

Joints are defined as movable connections between two bones. Each joint consists of different structures that allow us to move easily. Since joints are always active, whenever we make a movement, it’s easy to injure them.

Most of us experience pain and discomfort in joints at one point or another. Yet another common symptom that affects many people is joint stiffness.

What is it, actually? What are the causes of joint stiffness and is there anything you can about it? Find all the answers below.

What is joint stiffness?

Joint stiffness is the apparent loss of the joint’s range of motion or a sensation of difficulty moving a joint. In most instances, stiffness accompanies swelling and pain of a joint.

Depending on the cause of joint stiffness, other symptoms like redness, warmth, tenderness, numbness, and tingling may be involved too.
Stiffness usually occurs after a person has been sedentary i.e. didn’t move for a while.

Advertisement

*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

A great example is a difficulty getting out of the bed in the morning. In fact, most people complain about joint stiffness in the morning and the elderly are primarily affected, but everyone can experience this issue.

Although having stiff joints may not seem like a big deal, it is rarely a stand-alone occurrence. Instead, joint stiffness is usually an indication of muscle tightness, worn joints, inflammation, among other things.

The average episode of stiffness lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, but in some cases, it can take up to an hour for it to subside. It usually goes away once a person starts moving joints and muscles.

In terms of intensity, joint stiffness can be mild and occur after prolonged inactivity e.g. after sitting too much or it can be severe and have a serious impact on your mobility and range of motion.

What are the causes of Joint stiffness?

As mentioned above, joint stiffness is rarely a standalone problem. It usually accompanies other symptoms which are connected with a specific health problem. Below, you can see the list of common conditions that can cause joint stiffness.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Advertisement

*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that affects more than 1.5 million Americans, according to the Arthritis Foundation[1]. Women are three times more likely to develop this common type of arthritis than men.

The condition occurs when the body’s immune system starts attacking joints, but it can also affect eyes, skin, lungs, blood vessels, and heart. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints and causes swelling that can lead to deformity of the affected joint.

Symptoms associated with RA include:

  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Warmth
  • Swelling of the joints
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Weight loss

Joint stiffness, particularly after inactivity and after waking up in the morning

2. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. The CDC[2] reports that more than 30 million Americans are diagnosed with OA.
Just like RA, women are more likely to develop this type of arthritis than men.

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage located at the ends of the bones wears down.
While OA can affect any joint in the body, it mainly develops in knees, hips, spine, and hands. Symptoms associated with this type of arthritis include:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness
  • Loss of range of motion
  • Bone spurs
  • Grating sensations

3. Lupus

Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation affecting joints, kidneys, skin, blood cells, heart, brain, and lungs. Numbers show[3] that 1.5 million Americans, and at least 5 million people worldwide, have lupus.

The condition is mainly prevalent among women of childbearing age, but other age groups and men can develop it too.

Symptoms associated with lupus include:

  • Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
  • Photosensitivity
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches
  • Dry eyes

4. Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by sudden and intense attacks of pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness of the joint at the base of big toe. Unlike other types of arthritis, gout is more prevalent in men than in women.

Gout attacks can occur at any time, even when you sleep. It’s not uncommon for patients to wake up with intense pain and tenderness in their toe. As the disease progresses, the affected joints may become stiff and limit your range of motion.

5. Bone cancer

According to the American Cancer Society[4], about 3450 new cases of bone cancer will be diagnosed in 2018. This year, it is estimated that 1590 people will die from this severe disease.

Patients with bone cancer tend to experience bone and joint pain accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and sensitivity near the bone area. It’s important to mention that not every bone cancer patient experiences pain, which is why it’s difficult to diagnose it.

Advertisement

*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

6. Bursitis

Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, muscles, and tendons near the joints. The condition occurs when these small sacs become inflamed. Bursitis usually affects shoulders, hip, and elbow. Symptoms of the condition include:

  • Stiff and achy joints
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Pain when touched

What are the Tips to Overcome Joint Stiffness?

Joint stiffness is uncomfortable, but there are many things you can do to alleviate this problem and prevent it from occurring too often. For example:

  • If diagnosed with arthritis, follow doctor’s recommendations to manage the condition
  • Keep weight in a healthy range
  • Practice yoga or tai chi
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid spending too much time sitting down
  • Apply hot compresses to affected joint (warmth alleviates stiffness)
  • Get enough sleep
  • Do some easy stretches before getting out of bed
  • Eat a well-balanced diet
  • Do exercises while sitting behind your desk
  • Get up every 30 minutes and walk

Read Next: The #22 Different Types of Joint Pain You Must Know

Conclusion

Joint stiffness is a common occurrence, particularly among older individuals. In most cases, joint stiffness is just one of many symptoms associated with some specific condition such as osteoarthritis.

In order to alleviate stiffness and prevent it from decreasing your mobility, it is important to be active. Since stiffness usually occurs in the morning, try to do some easy stretches while you’re still in bed. That way, you’ll find it easier to get up. Nevertheless, you can also turn to a joint pain supplement such as Move Free Advanced which might provide relief from joint stiffness.

Also Read13 Ways to Deal With Your Joint Pain in Winter

Image Credits
Feature Image: Shutterstock.com
In Post Image: Shutterstock.com
Author

Melissa Feldman writes about a range of lifestyle topics, including health, fitness, nutrition, and the intersection of them all. She has undergraduate degrees in both teaching and psychology. She spent almost 20 years writing and designing English as a Second Language educational materials, including several textbooks. She has presented the cumulative research of many health topics ranging from dietary supplements to joint pain relief products and topical pain reliever. She is skilled at writing compelling articles and producing academic, marketing and creative content. Melissa currently lives in Toronto, Canada and works as an independent research writer. She has more than a decade of experience reviewing and editing publications intended for both public and professional audiences. You can connect with her on.

 
X

How helpful was it?

icon This article changed my life!
X

How helpful was it?

icon This article changed my life! Change
Your Rating
Note: Joint Health Magazine isn't a healthcare provider. We can't respond to health questions or give you medical advice.
Your Privacy is important to us.
icon This article was informative. icon I have a medical question.
X

How helpful was it?

icon This article was informative. Change
Your Rating
Note: Joint Health Magazine isn't a healthcare provider. We can't respond to health questions or give you medical advice.
Your Privacy is important to us.
X
icon I have a medical question. Change

We’re unable to offer personal health advice, but we’ve partnered with JustAnswer who offers on-demand doctors to answer your medical questions 24/7. Talk online now with a doctor and get fast 1-on-1 answers from the comfort of your couch.

just answer logo
ASK A DOCTOR NOW

If you’re facing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately, or visit the nearest emergency room or urgent care center.

X

How can we improve it?

icon This article contains incorrect information.
X

How can we improve it?

icon This article contains incorrect information. Change
Your Rating
Note: Joint Health Magazine isn't a healthcare provider. We can't respond to health questions or give you medical advice.
Your Privacy is important to us.
icon This article doesn’t have the information I’m looking for. icon I have a medical question.
X

How can we improve it?

icon This article doesn’t have the information I’m looking for. Change
Your Rating
Note: Joint Health Magazine isn't a healthcare provider. We can't respond to health questions or give you medical advice.
Your Privacy is important to us.
X
icon I have a medical question. Change

We’re unable to offer personal health advice, but we’ve partnered with JustAnswer who offers on-demand doctors to answer your medical questions 24/7. Talk online now with a doctor and get fast 1-on-1 answers from the comfort of your couch.

just answer logo
ASK A DOCTOR NOW

If you’re facing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately, or visit the nearest emergency room or urgent care center.