Joint stiffness

Joint stiffness is the sensation of difficulty while moving a joint or the apparent loss of range of motion of a joint.

Joint stiffness often accompanies joint pain and/or swelling. It can be caused by injury or disease of the joint and is a common finding in arthritis.

Sometimes injuries or inflammation of the adjacent areas, such as bursae, can cause pain that may limit the movement of a joint and could be perceived as joint stiffness.