Joint stiffness is a very common problem experienced mostly by elderlies. This is usually due to regular wear and tear, which takes a toll on your joint health over the years. Most of us tend to experience slight joint stiffness in the morning and wonder how could it be. There is a common misconception that joint stiffness can only be triggered by indulging in rigorous physical activities, however, the reality is that you can even experience it if you have been sitting at one place for too long or sleeping in the same position for hours. Experts from the best orthopaedic hospital in India suggest that this is because when you are not moving around the synovial fluid levels tend to drop, and this explains the stiffness.

It is important to understand that the extent of joint stiffness may vary from one person to another and depending upon this, you may experience varied symptoms. Some people may experience mild stiffness for only a brief period of time, while others may experience it persistently or occasionally. In some cases, the stiffness can be so severe that it can lead to impaired mobility.

Joint stiffness is not only experienced by elderlies, but can also be experienced by youngsters, and this clearly suggests, there are many other factors, apart from advanced age, that can be held accountable for it.

We have discussed some of the most common causes of joint stiffness with the help of experts from the top orthopaedic hospital in Mumbai.

Rheumatoid arthritis - Joint stiffness is usually associated with degenerative joint diseases like arthritis and especially rheumatoid arthritis, which is very common in people lying in the age group of 30 to 60 years. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by chronic inflammation that affects different joints of your body, and even your hands and feet. It is an autoimmune disease which means that in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, their immune system starts attacking the protective lining of the joints. If left untreated for long, rheumatoid arthritis can result in permanent deformity.

It is a lifelong condition with no permanent solution, however, as per the joint specialist from the best hospital in India, medication and lifestyle changes may help to manage the symptoms effectively.

Osteoarthritis - This is another common type of arthritis, which is also referred to as degenerative arthritis, as it is marked by the gradual degeneration of the cartilage that cushions your joints. The condition is very common in people above 65 years of age. Osteoarthritis is usually associated with increased wear and tear of the joints. Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, its impact is commonly seen in the knees, hips, fingers, neck and back. When osteoarthritis progresses, the stiffness can be accompanied by other symptoms like pain and swelling. As the disease is progressive in nature, the symptoms stand to worsen over time, making your bones fragile and vulnerable to fractures. Pain associated with osteoarthritis can be debilitating. Lucky the problem can be managed with the right treatment.

Lupus - An autoimmune disease characterized by stiffness, pain and swelling, lupus causes your body to attack various organs and tissues. The condition is often difficult to diagnose owing to the fact that the symptom that it triggers are associated with a couple of other conditions as well. It is important to note that just like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus is also a lifelong condition with no treatment. You can however manage the symptoms easily with the proper treatment and lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor.

Bursitis - Have you ever heard the term bursae? Well, it refers to the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. These sacs can sometimes become inflamed, leading to chronic stiffness and pain. The condition is commonly referred to as bursitis and is more likely to affect the joint present in the elbow, shoulder and hips. The condition is not chronic, which means that it may last for a few weeks and can be easily treated. During the course of treatment, you may be required to refrain from indulging in regular physical activities and need proper rest to give yourself proper time to recover.

So if you had been experiencing joint stiffness lately, it could be due to any of these four conditions. However, there are many other conditions, that may also be held accountable for it. The best way to find out is by going for proper evaluation and assessment. You can consult Jupiter doctors for any assistance or guidance.