Treatment of joint stiffness

Osteoarthritis (cartilage degeneration) is a medical condition in which the cartilage covering the ends of bones within a joint wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. It is one of the most common types of arthritis, especially with age.

Causes:

• Aging
• Weight gain
• Previous joint injuries
• Repetitive stress on the joint
• Genetic factors
• Joint deformities

Symptoms

• Joint pain that worsens with movement
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
• Sometimes mild swelling
• Clicking or grinding sounds during movement
• Reduced range of motion

Most commonly affected joints: knee, hip, hands, and lower back

Treatment Options
1. Non-Drug Treatment

• Weight loss to reduce pressure on the joints
• Light exercise such as walking and swimming
• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint
• Applying warm or cold compresses

2. Drug Treatment

• Pain relievers such as paracetamol
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Topical analgesic creams
• Cortisone injections into the joint
• Hyaluronic acid injections

3. Surgical Intervention

• In advanced cases, the following may be considered:
• Arthroscopic joint cleaning
• Or joint replacement (such as knee or hip replacement)