What Causes Joint Stiffness in People With Arthritis?

Joint stiffness is a common characteristic of arthritis. Joint stiffness can be one of the earliest symptoms of arthritis, a sign that you should see a doctor for a thorough physical examination and accurate diagnosis. In arthritis patients with osteoarthritis, joint stiffness after waking may last up to 30 minutes. Morning stiffness typically lasts more than 45 minutes with inflammatory types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

• What is joint stiffness?
• What causes joint stiffness?
• Is joint stiffness always related to arthritis?
• Does joint stiffness always accompany joint swelling and joint pain?
• What measures or treatments can improve joint mobility and lessen joint stiffness?

We asked rheumatologist Scott J. Zashin, M.D. to explain: What Causes Joint Stiffness in People With Arthritis?

Related Resources:

• Diagnosis of Arthritis
• Early Arthritis Symptoms
• Inflammation: The Battle Within
• What's the Significance of Morning Stiffness?
• How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis

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