US Medical Term · symptoms
Stiffness
Rigidez
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Stiffness |
| Spanish (Español) | Rigidez |
| Chinese (中文) | 僵硬 |
| Korean (한국어) | 뻣뻣함 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Cứng khớp |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Katigasan ng katawan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Rigidez |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อาการตึงแข็ง |
| Japanese (日本語) | こわばり |
What it means
Stiffness is a feeling of tightness, reduced flexibility, or difficulty moving a joint or muscle, especially after rest or in the morning. It can be mild and temporary or persistent and limiting. Morning stiffness that improves after moving around for about 30 minutes is typical of osteoarthritis, while stiffness lasting more than an hour is more characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. Stiffness can also result from muscle overuse, injury, fibromyalgia, or prolonged immobility. Gentle stretching, warm baths, and anti-inflammatory medications can help. Tell your provider how long the stiffness lasts each day and which parts of the body are affected.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My joints feel very stiff in the morning for about an hour after I get up.
Mis articulaciones se sienten muy rígidas por la mañana durante aproximadamente una hora después de levantarme.
My neck is stiff and it is hard to turn my head side to side.
Mi cuello está rígido y es difícil girar la cabeza de lado a lado.
I feel stiff and sore all over after sitting at my desk all day.
Me siento rígido y adolorido por todo el cuerpo después de estar sentado en mi escritorio todo el día.
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Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026