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Stiff joints usually accompany some form of rheumatic disease. Although some of these disorders are temporary and either resolve themselves or disappear with treatment, most are chronic. As the underlying medical problem flares up or enters a period of remission, joint stiffness may come and go, along with other symptoms, or it may persist on a more continuous basis. Although no cure exists for most forms of rheumatic disease, proper treatment can often control joint stiffness and pain.

Causes of stiffness of joints

Back pain
Back pain and stiffness may signal arthritis or many other conditions. The backbone is made up of 24 individual bones, or vertebrae, with spinal disks located at each joint to act as cushions. The muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the back provide its strength and flexibility. Damage to any of these elements can result in joint stiffness.

Bursitis
The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs located near the joints and between the muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. They help absorb shock and reduce friction. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, causing pain and stiffness in the afflicted area. Rest resolves most episodes, but sometimes medication is needed to counter the inflammation and pain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Pressure on the median nerve at the wrist causes tingling and numbness in the fingers, and pain and stiffness in the wrist and finger joints. Certain types of work and hobbies keep the wrist in a bent position for long periods of time and can cause this condition.

Degenerative arthritis
Also known as osteoarthritis, this "wear and tear" disease is

the most common form of arthritis and the most frequent cause of joint stiffness. It results from the breakdown of cartilage inside certain joints. Although it occurs with aging, degenerative arthritis tends to run in families, suggesting a possible hereditary basis.

Infectious arthritis
A viral, bacterial, or fungal infection can cause arthritis, with its typical symptoms of stiffness, pain, heat, and swelling. Eradicating the infection is the first step in treatment. Early treatment prevents joint deformity.

Lupus
This inflammatory disease of the body's connective tissues often affects the joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness. It may also affect many other organs and systems.

Lyme disease
Deer ticks harbor the causative bacteria of this infectious disease, and transmit it to both humans and animals. In addition to joint pain and stiffness, Lyme disease can cause cardiac and neurological complications, and a host of other symptoms. It was first identified a decade ago in Connecticut, but since then, it has been reported throughout most of the United States.

Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis, a common skin disease, accompanies this form of arthritis, which can result in joint stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis
This is one of the most severe forms of arthritis, which can range from mild to severe and crippling. It is more common among women than men, and generally begins in early adulthood. It can cause severe joint pain, inflammation, swelling, and deformity, and may also involve other organ systems. Periods of remission often follow flare-ups, but the easing or disappearance of symptoms tends to be temporary.

Tendinitis
Tendons are the strong, cord­like ends of a muscle that connect it to a bone. When they are overstressed, the result is pain and stiffness of the adjacent joint. It is often difficult to distinguish between tendinitis and bursitis, and they sometimes occur together.