5 Potential Joint Stiffness Causes
Disclaimer: The article does not replace an evaluation by a physician. Information on this page is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.
1.Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers. RA is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that it is caused by the immune system incorrectly attacking the joints when it shouldn't.
RA is a chronic disease which requires lifelong control.
- Rarity:
- Rare
- Top Symptoms:
- fatigue, depressed mood, joint pain, muscle aches, daytime sleepiness
- Urgency:
- Primary care doctor
2.Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis of the ankle is a degenerative joint disorder occurring in the ankle. It presents with joint pain and stiffness that is typically worse with activity.
Arthritis is considered irreversible, but symptoms can be effectively managed with treatment. Newer, more effective treatment options have become available in recent years.
- Rarity:
- Uncommon
- Top Symptoms:
- swollen ankle, swollen foot, joint stiffness, pain in one ankle, ankle stiffness
- Urgency:
- Self-treatment
3.Chronic Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve damage in the limbs can be caused by diabetes, toxic substances, immune system issues and low vitamin levels. However, in about one of every four cases no cause can be found and then the condition is called 'idiopathic'. Symptoms of nerve damage can be (burning) pain sensations, numbness, tingling and weakness in hands, feet or lower legs.
This is a chronic condition.
- Rarity:
- Rare
- Top Symptoms:
- distal numbness, muscle aches, joint stiffness, numbness on both sides of body, loss of muscle mass
- Urgency:
- Primary care doctor
4.Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. Some people who have psoriasis also get a form of arthritis (inflammation and swelling of joints) called psoriatic arthritis.
This type of arthritis can be managed with treatment, and permanent damage can be prevented. However, the underlying cause (psoriasis) is currently incurable.
- Rarity:
- Rare
- Top Symptoms:
- shoulder pain, lower back pain, joint pain, upper back pain, hip pain
- Urgency:
- Primary care doctor
5.Multiple Sclerosis (Ms)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is involved in carrying nerve signals so this damage causes interruptions in nerve signaling.
This is a lifelong condition; however, treatment may be beneficial.
- Rarity:
- Rare
- Top Symptoms:
- severe fatigue, constipation, numbness, decreased sex drive, signs of optic neuritis
- Urgency:
- Primary care doctor
Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Joint Stiffness
- Q.Have you ever been diagnosed with diabetes?
- Q.Which of the following describes your physical fitness:
- Q.What is your body mass?
- Q.How would you explain the cause of your shoulder pain?
If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions, try our joint stiffness symptom checker to find out more.
Take a quizJoint Stiffness Symptom Checker Statistics
People who have experienced joint stiffness have also experienced:
- 12% Pain in One Shoulder
- 4% Fatigue
- 3% Joint Pain
People who have experienced joint stiffness were most often matched with:
- 9% Rheumatoid Arthritis
- 7% Ankle Arthritis
- 4% Chronic Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy
Source: Aggregated and anonymized results from visits to the Buoy AI health assistant (check it out by clicking on “Take Quiz”).