Stiffness is a commonly used term that we use to describe to move or utilize joints and muscles freely, without experiencing pain or inflammation. It also implies restrictions on the range of movement and mobility. To put it plainly the problem is caused as a result of inflammation in the region commonly associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatic arthritis and muscle strain. Stiffness can afflict practically any joint of the body including the ankles, calves, hips, neck, back, knees, shoulders and more. Most people believe this to be something quite natural, as part of the aging process, but it's not always so as it may be caused by other conditions too. General wear and tear over time does bring stiffness with aging, but it isn't always aging that is the cause.
Sometimes stiffness of the joints and muscles can be treated with simple changes to the lifestyle, depending purely upon the cause. It is therefore important to look for possible causes rather than make any assumptions. Here are some possible causes, which if addressed will solve the problem to a large extent.
- obesity, because of the extra stress on joints an muscles
- Improper healing of past injuries.
- Excessively high dietary intake of sugar and carbohydrates causing excess amounts of insulin in the system
- Stress and anxiety can also cause inflammation because of the stress hormone cortisol
- Hormonal imbalances
- Excessive exercising or sudden exercise after which the muscles need to adjust to the new strains.
Addressing any of these causes after you deduce which one is relevant should help you resolve your problem. There are however other self care tips that you can implement to better the flexibility and mobility of your joints, while reducing the pain and stiffness.
- Exercises to stretch and tone the muscles are of particular importance if you want to get rid of the stiffness. They can help significantly and are especially useful after long periods of rest.
- Waking up in the morning and getting out of bed can be particularly painful if suffering from stiffness. You could start your day with a soak in a hot tub or in a warm shower as this will help loosen up the stiff muscles and joints.
- Regular exercise would be absolutely essential to tone the muscles and improve fitness. It will also help restrict deterioration. Exercises shouldn't be to strenuous or rigorous however as this could then be counterproductive. Yoga and swimming would make for the best choices.
- Massage therapy is a great way to relieve stress in the muscles if this is the cause of stiffness.
- Hot compresses can also help relieve stiffness and inflammation.
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