Joint Stiffness

What is joint stiffness?

Joint stiffness is a common problem that prevents a joint (or several joints) from moving smoothly through its full range of motion. Most people experience joint stiffness every once in a while. But if your symptoms occur regularly, it could indicate an underlying medical condition like arthritis or arthrofibrosis (buildup of scar tissue around a joint).

Though painful, joint stiffness often improves with conservative, minimally invasive treatments. Dr. Hatch treats various types of joint stiffness but is particularly interested in knee and shoulder stiffness and arthrofibrosis.

What are the symptoms of joint stiffness?

Joint stiffness symptoms include:

• Pain
• Decreased range of motion
• Increased pressure in the joints
• Swelling

As the stiffness gets worse, you might notice popping, cracking, or clicking sounds when moving the affected joint.

When should I see a doctor about joint stiffness?

If you have joint stiffness lasting more than a few days, make an appointment at Keck Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery. This is especially true if the stiffness occurs alongside pain, severe swelling, or difficulty moving the joint.

How is joint stiffness diagnosed?

Dr. Hatch reviews your medical records and asks about your joint stiffness, including when it started, how severe it is, and if it gets worse during specific activities like walking. He then examines your joint, checking for bruising, swelling, and redness. He gently presses on your skin to identify sensitive spots and assesses your joint’s flexibility and range of motion.

If Dr. Hatch suspects an underlying medical condition like arthritis or arthrofibrosis, he’ll order diagnostic imaging like X-rays or an MRI. Dr. Hatch also orders bloodwork if he suspects that an autoimmune condition is causing your symptoms.

How is joint stiffness treated?

At Keck Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Hatch takes a conservative, minimally invasive approach to treating joint stiffness. He could suggest:

• Physical therapy to improve your mobility
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling
• OrthoBiologic Treatment (for example, platelet-rich plasma injections)
• Wearing a splint or a brace to support joint mobility
• Taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for arthritis
• Breaking up scar tissue around the affected joint

If your symptoms continue after these treatments, you might benefit from orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Hatch provides minimally invasive and traditional open joint repair and joint replacement.

Call Keck Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery, today to schedule joint stiffness treatment, or book your appointment online.