Stiffness

A sensation or state in which muscles, tendons, joints, or periarticular soft tissues exhibit decreased flexibility and increased resistance to passive or active movement, often accompanied by discomfort or pain and reduced range of motion.

Causes

• Joint stiffness

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Trauma (sprains, strains, ligament tears, fractures, swelling)

  • Crystal arthropathy (gout)

  • Bursitis

  • Tendinitis

  • Systemic autoimmune disease (systemic lupus erythematosus)

  • Prolonged immobility

• Muscle stiffness

  • Muscle soreness after new or strenuous exercise

  • Poor posture

  • Emotional tension and stress

  • Muscle injury

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Myositis

  • Polymyalgia rheumatica

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Stiff-person syndrome

  • Infections (influenza, Lyme disease)