Joint stiffness is the feeling that the motion of a joint is limited or difficult. The feeling is not caused by weakness or reluctance to move the joint due to pain. Some people with stiffness are capable of moving the joint through its full range of motion, but this movement can require force.

1.  Getting Older: With the age the cartilage begins to dry out & stiffens. There is very less Synovial fluid production. The joints don’t move freely as they used to. The best solution for this problem is not to stop the movement. One should keep moving.

2.  Morning Stiffness: Like joint pain, the stiffness is often worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity. Morning stiffness that is a symptom of another type of arthritis, called osteoarthritis, usually wears off within 30 minutes of getting up, but morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis often lasts longer than this.

3.  Osteoarthritis (OA): Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

4.  Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

5.  Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis linked with psoriasis, a chronic skin and nail disease. Psoriasis causes red, scaly rashes and thick, pitted fingernails. Psoriatic arthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in symptoms and joint swelling (inflammation). But it tends to affect fewer joints than RA.

6.  Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched posture. If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply. 

7.  Change in Weather: Joint pain seems to get worse when the weather changes. It’s most common when the air pressure (the weather forecaster will call it barometric pressure) falls. That typically happens just before a storm.

8.  Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals. 

Take Home Message - There are many reasons due to which you may experience joint stiffness. Being physically active and avoiding restricting joint movements, lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, cutting down on sugar, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating nutritious diet can help you manage your aching and stiff joints. If you are experiencing persistent pain or if your joint pain and stiffness is interfering with your daily life activities, it is recommended that you consult your health care provider for a thorough assessment and initiation of proper treatment.

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