Does osteoarthritis cause joint stiffness?

Osteoarthritis changes the tissues within and around a joint. The joint may feel tight when you first stand up, start walking, open your hand, or climb stairs. Stiffness often eases as the joint gently moves, although it can return after sitting still. It may affect the knee, hip, hand, spine, or another weight-bearing or frequently used joint. Stiffness alone cannot identify its cause, particularly when several joints are involved.

Use regular, low-impact movement and break up long periods of sitting with brief gentle activity. Range-of-motion exercises and strengthening around the affected joint can improve confidence and function; a physiotherapist can adapt them to your symptoms. Heat may feel soothing for stiffness before movement, while cold may help after an activity flare. Pace tasks, use supportive equipment when advised, and avoid suddenly increasing demands on the joint.

Arrange medical advice if stiffness is new, steadily worsening, limits daily tasks, or persists despite sensible movement and rest. Seek prompt care when a joint becomes hot and very swollen, you develop fever, or you cannot use the limb safely. Sudden severe pain after an injury, a locked joint, or new weakness also warrants urgent assessment.

Which joint changes could explain my stiffness? What exercises and activities are suitable? Should I use heat, cold, or a mobility aid? What symptoms would mean I should return for review?