Joint stiffness - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

The rigidity of a joint means the partial or complete limitation of the range of movement of the same. In general, joints tend to become more rigid with aging and, regardless of age, upon awakening or after being inactive for a long time. However, if stiffness is associated with persistent pain, it can signal more serious problems for joint structures.

The disorder may derive from repetitive micro-traumatic conditions, articular or peri-articular lesions or traumas (eg fractures, dislocations, sprains, etc.). Sometimes, it represents the complication of an injury or surgery that required prolonged immobilization of the joint. Chronic morning joint stiffness can signal arthritis or, if it lasts less than half an hour, arthrosis. The latter, in particular, causes a degeneration of the cartilage pads located between the joints, which in the long run causes pain, deformity and loss of function.

When joint stiffness lasts more than half an hour in the morning, it is likely that it is rheumatoid arthritis. If the joints are rigid at any time of the day, however, infections or a series of muscular, skeletal and neurological pathologies may be present. These include systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis and fibromyalgia. Finally, joint stiffness and soreness may occur due to various medications, including antibiotics and chemotherapy.