Joint Stiffness and Inflammation

Joint pain and stiffness is a common characteristic of damage to a joint or related tendons and ligaments and is often one of the earliest symptoms of arthritis. Such conditions may include:

Tenderness in and around the joint Limited range of motion in one or more joints Swelling or warmth in the tissue

What causes joint stiffness?

Joint stiffness is defined as discomfort after a period of inactivity (such as waking up in the morning or sitting for an extended period of time), decreased range of motion or a loss of range of motion in a joint.

Is joint stiffness always related to arthritis? Does joint stiffness always accompany joint swelling and joint pain?

Joint stiffness is caused by inflammation in the synovium, the lining of the joint. Inflammation is the body's basic response to injury. A sequence of complicated, interrelated events work to defend the body, ultimately bringing plasma proteins and phagocytes (white blood cells that engulf and consume foreign material and debris) to the injured area for the purpose of initiating tissue repair.

Often, a residual material called Fibrin accumulates in the injured area. If not removed, excess fibrin build-up can result in sustained pain, loss of mobility and continued stiffness.

The abnormal synovial lining is the cause of many types of arthritis. The only physical expression of synovial involvement may be joint pain, or there may be swelling, redness, and warmth associated with the affected joint. Swelling around the joint may occur along with other symptoms linked to arthritis including joint pain, joint stiffness, inflammation, tenderness, redness and warmth around the affected joints. Swelling may be caused by injury, infections, trauma, hemarthrosis (bleeding into joint spaces) and arthritic conditions.

Other medical conditions can also cause joint stiffness, including Tendonitis, an inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone, muscular diseases, cancer, joint trauma, or overuse of the joint.

Sports injuries are a leading cause of joint stiffness and pain. Although any body part can be injured, the term sports injury is usually reserved for injuries involving the muscles, bones, cartilage, and tissues. Traumatic sports injury, joint damage and years of repetitive pounding may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Trevinol was clinically developed to support the reduction of inflammation, joint stiffness, irritation and related pain.