By the term stiff joints or joint stiffness, physicians understand a stiffening of joints, which results in a restriction of movement. This can have various causes and accordingly also appear differently pronounced. Under certain circumstances, diseases can lead to irreparable stiffening of the affected joints, which makes surgery necessary.
What are stiff joints?
Stiff joints, also called joint stiffness, refer to mobility restrictions in the joints. Stiff joints, also called joint stiffness, refer to mobility restrictions in the joints. Almost all joints in the human body can be affected. Often, however, especially the finger, knee and elbow joints show the typical symptoms. Joint stiffness can occur acutely (as a result of an accident, for example) or chronically (as part of a disease). Depending on the cause and/or stage of the disease, its severity ranges from a slight restriction of movement to complete immobility. A distinction is made primarily between two types of joint stiffness: In what is known as contracture, the joint remains undamaged; in this case, the ligaments, muscles or tendons are responsible for the symptoms. In ankylosis, on the other hand, the joints themselves or the bones are damaged. Depending on the cause and stage of the stiff joints, a fairly good result can often be achieved with appropriate therapy.
Causes
The causes of stiff joints can be quite different. For example, an injury resulting from an accident can cause one or more affected joints to stiffen quite suddenly. If a patient is bedridden due to an illness or after an accident, joint stiffness is often the result of a lack of movement. Even after wearing a cast, the affected joints are usually temporarily stiffened. Under certain circumstances, a shortening of tendons, ligaments or muscles can also be responsible for stiff joints. Skin adhesions or scarring can also sometimes result in joint stiffness. Certain diseases affect the joints themselves, such as gout or osteoarthritis. The latter not infrequently occurs at an advanced age and is thus a common sign of wear and tear.
Diseases with this symptom
- Ankylosis
- Vertebral joint blockages
- Osteoarthritis
- Scoliosis
- Gout
- Rheumatism
Diagnosis and course
Stiff joints can usually already be diagnosed based on the patient’s description and often apparent movement restrictions. Therefore, determining the cause is more important than establishing the symptoms. In order to determine why joint stiffness has occurred, X-rays can be taken, for example, which provide information about any changes and/or damage to the joints or bones. Other imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or arthroscopy (joint endoscopy) can also help in making the diagnosis. The course of joint stiffness depends largely on the cause of the symptoms. While a temporary stiffness often improves on its own, for example by wearing a cast, it can be permanent as a result of some diseases and thus significantly impair the mobility of the affected person.
Complications
Stiff joints usually develop as part of rheumatic diseases, which can have various complications. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, affects the joints and progressively destroys them, causing immobility and deformities of the joints. In addition to the joints, this autoimmune disease also affects other organs. These include, for example, the heart and kidneys. Inflammation of both organs occurs, which can eventually end in heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) or kidney failure (renal insufficiency). It is not uncommon for the lungs to be affected as well. Furthermore, ulcers can form in the organs. A greater susceptibility to other diseases is also typical for rheumatism. These include, for example, cardiovascular diseases and simple infectious diseases. Wear and tear of the joint cartilage (osteoarthritis) also leads to inflammation of the joint due to the abrasion of cartilage cells. The joint also swells severely and hurts.There may also be exposure of the bone, which can become comminuted and cause additional pain. Similarly, in gout, there is an inflammatory reaction in the joints, which can swell and cause pain. In general, stiffness of the joints leads to an impairment of the quality of life. Affected persons can no longer carry out their everyday life and occupation without worries. This can lead to depression, which in the worst case can lead to thoughts of suicide.
When should you see a doctor?
Stiff joints are usually caused by weakness or a rheumatic disease. If the discomfort goes away within a few hours, there is no need to see a doctor. Stiffness as a result of cold or increased stress is also usually harmless. A doctor should be consulted if the stiffening occurs spontaneously and without a clear cause. Anyone who notices a stiffening after intensive sporting activity or exertion of strength has possibly overloaded the joints. The family doctor or a sports physician can clarify the cause beyond doubt and initiate the appropriate treatment immediately. Sporadically occurring stiff joints indicate a chronic disease of the muscles or bones that must be treated quickly. Otherwise, complications and further complaints such as pain or a loss of strength may occur. A visit to the doctor is recommended at the latest if the stiffness spreads to other joints and is associated with symptoms of paralysis or sensory disturbances. Stress-related stiffness can be discussed with a therapist. Medical advice is needed if the symptoms persist over a long period of time or, more generally, lead to a deterioration in well-being.
Treatment and therapy
Therapy for stiff joints depends on the individual cause. If the complaints have arisen as a result of a prolonged period of rest, for example after an accident, they can often be eliminated within a short time with the help of physiotherapeutic exercises. Even if the joints are stiff due to problems with the tendons or ligaments, physiotherapy that is precisely tailored to the individual’s clinical picture can often achieve good results. In addition, massage and heat applications, as well as targeted stretching, can take place to improve joint stiffness and restore full or most mobility. If joint stiffness is associated with pain, the administration of pain medications can relieve it. If, on the other hand, joint stiffness is irreparable, surgical intervention is usually the only way to help. This can either attempt to increase the mobility of the patient’s own joint or, alternatively, an artificial joint can be inserted if no further improvement can be achieved with the existing natural joint.
Outlook and prognosis
Stiff joints are noticeable in small ways at the beginning. If the symptoms occur repeatedly and are ignored, they can lead to a lack of movement, severe pain and inflammatory swelling on the body. Due to the adopted protective posture, an abnormal position of the joints occurs. In the case of hardship, a loss of function follows and, depending on the course of the disease, joint deformation. If the symptom is not treated medically, the heart and kidneys may be impaired in their function as a concomitant. Further stiffening is prevented by means of a therapy plan. Any kind of joint stiffness should be examined by the doctor so that relief measures can be initiated in time. Manual therapy helps to keep the musculoskeletal system supple. Depending on the diagnosis, medication may be prescribed to help the healing process. If joint stiffness is a cause of muscle weakness or chronic disease, ongoing muscle training is needed to relieve pain. Medication alone cannot eliminate the symptom in this case. In some cases, surgery is recommended, followed by a stay in rehab and, in the longer term, further manual therapies. Those who practice gentle sports, such as swimming, for joint stiffness maintain their quality of life and mobility.
Prevention
Stiff joints can be prevented in some circumstances by regularly providing adequate exercise even for those with limited mobility due to illness or injury. This can prevent permanent and even painful stiffness before it occurs.Reducing excess weight, which is considered a risk factor for joint stiffness, can also have a preventive effect against the unpleasant symptoms.
What you can do yourself
As we age, joint fluid reduces and joint stiffness occurs. Those affected by arthritic joint disease can do a lot to improve the condition. Despite pain, exercise is very important. It is not advisable to constantly relieve joints. Older women in particular suffer from hand arthrosis. The thumb saddle joint is most severely affected. Depending on the type, warm or cold compresses can relieve inflammation. Warm hand baths with canola oil also reduce stiffness. Any exercises that involve making and unclenching the hand into a fist are useful. Massages with coriander oil can do a lot. They promote mobility by stimulating blood circulation and activating nerves. Coriander tea supports the effect. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are useful if they help the patient move the joints better. Knee and hip joints should also be kept moving. Prolonged sitting and lying down is counterproductive. Long walks bring relief because they break down deposits in the joints and provide them with more nutrients thanks to better blood circulation. One-sided stress should be avoided. Anyone who has pain in the shoulders should take as many breaks as possible when working at a desk. Small mobility exercises such as circling the shoulders forward and backward or circling the head help against joint stiffness and prevent premature wear and tear.