Joint pain stiffness is the most common outcome of arthritis, a bone degenerative disease that is mostly associated with aging. This condition is followed by moderate to acute pain with gradual decrease in the normal mobility. Joint pain stiffness is felt at the start of the day when the joints remain immobile due to long hours of sleep and the stiffness reduce gradually with slow movements throughout the day. But in severe cases of arthritis acute joint pains may cause enough sleep disturbances demanding immediate medical attention. In case of inflammatory arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis, the joint stiffness may last for about 45 minutes and in osteoarthritis stiffness lasts for 30 minutes.

Causes of joint stiffness and pain

Inflammation of the synovium, which is a thin membrane surrounding the joints cause joint stiffness that leads to pain. Many underlying causes are responsible for this inflammation that is very bothering.

1. Osteoarthritis causes joint pain stiffness.
2. Autoimmune disease like Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint stiffness.
3. Gout
4. Chondromalacia
5. Bursitis
6. Injury
7. Infectious diseases
8. Over straining and exertion of the joints.
9. Tendonitis

Treatment

1. Application of cold packs and heat treatment are generally adopted in reducing joint pain and stiffness. The cold pack relaxes the nerves and the hot compress enhances the blood circulation. Applying hot and cold packs alternately every 5 minutes gives best results.

2. Medications include the administration of NSAID's, steroids and narcotic drugs to provide relief from the joint stiffness and pain. Corticosteroids are applied in controlled doses regulated by experienced practitioners that also reduce the joint inflammation along with the pain. Narcotic drugs help in reducing the pain but not the inflammation. Common pain relieving drugs those are used are aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Tylenol, morphine etc.

3. Nothing can match the overall benefits of regular exercising in treating joint pain and stiffness. Exercise strengthens the joints and the muscles, reduces the wear and tear of the bones and cartilage and helps in controlling the body weight.

Alternative Remedies or Treatment

Many people are turning towards alternative medicines and modes of treatment to avoid the serious side effects of pain relieving medications. These medicines which come as natural supplements through daily diet and common ingredients are highly effective and also produce multi benefits in maintaining good health.

1. Massaging the affected joints with herbal oils like eucalyptus and wintergreen helps in reducing the pain.
2. Extracts of Arnica taken in measured doses produces good results in treating this condition.
3. Green tea helps in reducing arthritis pain.
4. Tea from alfalfa seeds also reduces the inflammation and pain.
5. Ginger is also helpful in reducing inflammation.
6. Turmeric is widely used in reducing this pains.