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Stiffness is the feeling that motion of a joint is limited or difficult. The feeling is not caused by weakness or reluctance to move the joint due to pain. Some people with stiffness are capable of moving the joint through its full range of motion. Joint stiffness usually occurs or is worse immediately after awakening or resting. Stiffness is common with arthritis. Morning stiffness commonly occurs with rheumatoid arthritis and other types of inflammatory arthritis in which stiffness typically occurs on arising and gradually lessens with activity only after an hour or two.
Doctors can sometimes diagnose the cause of stiffness by the person's symptoms and the results of a physical examination. The person is examined to make sure that the problem is not pain with motion or weakness. Because arthritis is often the cause, blood tests (for example, rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies) and x-rays may be done.
Stiffness is relieved by treating the disorder causing it. Stretching, physical therapy, and taking a hot shower on arising may improve the ability to perform activities that require flexibility.
Last full review/revision September 2006 by Michael Jacewicz, MD
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