Causes of Stiff Joints
Inflammation in the joints is the cause of joint stiffness and pain. Stiffness may be due to autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disease, connective tissue disease and injury to the joint. Joint stiffness may be mild or severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Stiffness in the joints is a symptom of an underlying medical disorder. You should consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
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Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common cause of joint stiffness in children younger than 16 years old. It can last a few weeks or months or persist for months or years. There are three forms of JRA: pauciarticular, polyarticular and systemic. All forms of JRA cause joint stiffness, swelling and pain. Children with JRA may limp and find it more difficult to move due to stiffness in the joints when they wake up in the morning or after waking up from a nap. In the more severe forms of JRA that affects many joints in the body, joint stiffness can be present all day.
Reiter's Syndrome
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Reiter's Syndrome is a form of arthritis called reactive arthritis. It typically occurs as the result of an infection that is sexually transmitted or an infection in the intestines. Reiter's syndrome can involve inflammation of the joints, eyes, gastrointestinal system, genitals, urinary tract and sometimes organs. Joint stiffness usually affects the ankle, wrist, knee and foot on one side of the body. Inflammation and stiffness can also occur in the spine, tailbone joint and joints in the fingers and toes. Attacks of Reiter's syndrome usually come and go and can last 3 to 6 months. In some cases, it can become chronic.
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Scleroderma
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Scleroderma is a condition meaning hard skin. It's a rheumatic and connective tissue disease that can affect joints, organs, muscles, skin, tendons and cartilage. There are two major types, localized and systemic scleroderma. They are further broken down into sub-types. Diffuse cutaneous scleroderma is a sub-type of systemic scleroderma. The symptoms include joint stiffness, swelling and pain.
Osteoarthritis
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Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the joints due to aging. Cartilage is what helps to cushion the joints to keep them moving smoothly. In severe cases of osteoarthritis, there is a complete loss of cartilage. The inflammation causes stiffness, swelling and pain in the affected joints.
Bursitis
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Bursa are sacs filled with fluid that are found between muscles, bone, skin and tendons. These sacs help to reduce friction and rubbing between the bones, tendons and muscles located near the joints. Overuse and repetitive movements can cause the bursa to become inflamed. Joint stiffness and pain usually affects the elbows, shoulders or hips, but bursitis can also affect the knees or heels.
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