Stages of Joint Stiffness
Introduction
Joint stiffness is the sensation of difficulty moving a joint or the apparent loss of range of motion of a joint. Joint stiffness often accompanies joint pain and/or swelling. Joint stiffness can be caused by injury or disease of the joint and is a common finding in the arthritis conditions. Joint damage including stiffness can also occur following injury to the joint [1]. Stiffness following surgery or injury to a joint develops as a progression of four stages : bleeding, edema, granulation tissue, and fibrosis.
