Joint Stiffness Relief

Joint stiffness can be caused by a variety of factors and conditions. No matter the exact cause, joint stiffness can significantly reduce joint function and range of motion and make simple, everyday tasks more difficult to perform. Various types of remedies are available to treat joint stiffness.

Movement/Exercise

• Moving or exercising a stiff joint helps to increase joint flexibility and reduce joint stiffness. When a joint is exercised, the fluid surrounding the joint increases, which helps to ease joint movement and increase joint lubrication. Moving a stiff joint also helps to increase flexibility of the soft tissues and muscles surrounding the joint, which helps to further increase joint movement, range of motion, and function.

Heat

• The application of heat to a stiff joint promotes increased blood circulation to the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joint, which increases muscle and soft tissue pliability and flexion, which allows for a greater range of joint movement. Applying heat to a stiff joint is can be achieved by placing a heating pad directly against the joint or by immersing the joint in warm or hot water.

Stretching

• Stretching is a very effective form of treatment for a stiff joint. Normally, when a joint is stiff, the muscles and soft tissues surrounding it are constricted and tight. Gently moving the joint through its normal range of motion, which is what a typical joint stretch encompasses, helps loosen up these tissues and muscles and increases joint flexibility and range of motion. To increase the effectiveness of a joint stretch, consider applying heat to the affected joint before performing the stretch.

Massage

• Massaging a stiff joint increases circulation to the soft tissues and muscles surrounding the joint and helps relieve muscle tightness and tension, all of which promote reduced joint stiffness and increased joint flexibility. Massage also helps reduce pain and soreness as the result of inflamed muscles and soft tissues surrounding the affected joint, which can further increase joint flexibility and range of motion. Gentle massage strokes applied to all areas of the joint are most effective in the treatment of a stiff joint, as more aggressive forms of massage may actually increase joint inflammation and irritation.

NSAID Treatment

• NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are an effective and popular form of treatment for a stiff joint. NSAIDs help to reduce the inflammation and irritation of the soft tissues and muscles surrounding a stiff joint, which helps to decrease joint stiffness and increase joint mobility. The use of NSAIDs also helps reduce pain levels, which generally leads to an increase in joint range of motion and function. Most over-the-counter NSAIDs are sufficient for mild to moderate forms of joint stiffness. More severe forms of joint stiffness or pain may require prescription-strength medication.