Stiffness

Sensation or state in which muscles, tendons, or periarticular soft tissues exhibit decreased flexibility and increased resistance to passive or active movement, often accompanied by discomfort or pain and limiting normal range of motion. Possible causes for joint stiffness are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma (swelling due to sprains, strains, torn ligaments, or fracture), crystal arthropathy (gout), bursitis, tendonitis, systemic autoimmune disease (SLE), or prolonged immobility. Possible causes for muscle stiffness are muscle soreness after new or heavy exercise, poor posture, emotional tension (stress), injury, fibromyalgia, inflammatory conditions (myositis, polymyalgia rheumatic), neurological disorders (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stiff-person syndrome), and infections (flu, Lyme disease).