Stiff Joints

Stiff joints (sometimes called Arthralgia) can occur in any part of the body and cause considerable discomfort and if the problem is left untreated it can worsten and cause debilitation and permanent loss of motion and tissue damage.

Stiff joints are a common symptom of general arthritis which is just a way to say that a joint has inflammation. There are over 100 types of arthritis that can cause joint stiffness and a number of other symptoms.

Joint problems are very common in people older than 45 years old. A major danger of having stiff joints and joint inflammation is that the inflammation causes further damage in the problematic bones and joints. If untreated, simple problems can escalate and become quite debilitation and cause major lifestyle problems and changes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that commonly causes stiff and painful joints.

Stiff Joint Diagnosis and Treatment

If stiff joints become chronic and cause lifestyle problems, x-rays, MRI or other imaging tests can diagnose the causes of the stiffness and possibly uncover dangerous underlying problems.

Nonarthritis joint pain can sometimes be helped by simple rest and exercise. Some people like warm baths, massages, and stretching exercises. Anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve pain and swelling. For arthritic patients, long-term solutions have to be combined with a number of short-term solutions.