How is joint stiffness treated?

Stiffness may follow inactivity, an injury or joint wear. Osteoarthritis often causes stiffness around a painful joint, while Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause inflammatory stiffness in several joints. Frozen Shoulder restricts shoulder movement, and Ankylosing Spondylitis may cause stiffness centred in the back and pelvis.

A clinician considers which joints are affected, whether swelling or warmth is present, how long stiffness lasts after rest and whether movement is becoming more limited. Those details guide treatment.

Move little and often rather than forcing a stiff joint into a painful range. A Physiotherapy plan can combine mobility work, strengthening and advice about posture or joint protection. Hydrotherapy may make movement easier because water supports part of the body. Heat can relax tight tissues for some people; use it carefully and stop if skin becomes painful or unusually red.

Arrange medical advice if stiffness persists, steadily worsens or interferes with dressing, work or sleep. Seek urgent care for a suddenly stiff, hot, very swollen joint, fever, a recent significant injury, or new weakness or numbness.

What is the likely source of my stiffness? Which movements should I practise daily? Would physiotherapy or hydrotherapy suit my joint, and do I need tests for inflammation?