There are many possible causes of joint stiffness and many possible treatments. It is impossible to know which treatment is most likely to be effective and safe for you without knowing more information about your general health, and more details about your joint symptoms and the results of a physical examination. Arthritis is one cause of joint stiffness, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis. In addition, conditions other than arthritis may be associated with joint stiffness. Identifying the specific cause of person's joint stiffness is often helpful in directing treatment.
Some of the more common causes of widespread joint stiffness are:
Osteoarthritis (OA) - The most common form of arthritis, OA typically affects people over the age of 50, causing stiffness in the hands, neck, lower back, hips, knees or feet; symptoms tend to be worse after use, late in the day or evening. There is rarely significant swelling. However, enlargement of the joints, due to extra bone formation, is common.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - RA affects approximately 1 percent of the population, and it affects women more often than men. It begins most commonly between the ages of 25 and 45; stiffness is characteristically worse in the morning, with prominent involvement of the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, knees and feet. There is typically marked swelling in the hands and wrists.
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) - Although "myalgia" means muscle pain, PMR is an arthritis and bursitis of the shoulders and hips that begins suddenly, is worse in the morning, and affects people over the age of 55.
Fibromyalgia - This condition, though not a form of arthritis, causes widespread pain in muscles and joints. It usually affects young or middle-aged adults, and it affects women more often than men. It is associated with fatigue and tender areas in multiple locations (that feel like bruises).
Viral infections - The flu and many other viruses can cause significant joint stiffness and pain, sometimes with swelling. Unlike the chronic conditions mentioned above, symptoms resolve within days or weeks
