Pain and stiffness in joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee or ankle can come from arthritis, wear, injury or inflammation.
Common symptoms
- Stiffness in the morning
- Swelling and pain
- Reduced range of movement
When to see a doctor
- Pain or swelling that lasts several weeks
- Problems in more than one joint
- Promptly if a joint is red and warm or you have a fever
How it is evaluated
- History and physical examination
- Blood tests and X-ray when needed
- Treatment and exercise advice according to the cause
Emergency: after a serious accident, a suspected fracture with deformity, heavy bleeding, numbness or loss of movement, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.