Every time you sit down, stand up or walk around, your knees bend. The knee joint is one of the most mobiles in the body, but it’s also one of the likeliest to become stiff or painful.

Such symptoms can be related to issues with the knee structures, including the kneecap, cartilage, meniscus, and more.

However, here we list down few issues, in particular, that are likely to be the source of a stiff knee after sitting.

Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation of a joint structure called the bursa.

These are fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction in the joints as they move, and there are several bursae in your knee joints. 

Overuse is the most common reason bursae become inflamed.

Once this inflammation occurs, sitting for long periods can often cause the knee to feel stiff. 

Rest is the most commonly recommended treatment for bursitis, but physical therapy can also be helpful for this issue. 

Osteoarthritis

There are several types of arthritis, and osteoarthritis is one type that commonly affects the knee. 

This form of arthritis is frequently caused by the natural wearing of cartilage in your knee as you age. Knee injuries also increase your chances of developing knee osteoarthritis. 

Stiffness is a common symptom of this issue, and this symptom can be especially bad after you’ve been sitting for a long time.

Also, stiffness is likely to increase if you’re moving the affected knee a lot or placing a lot of strain on it. Often, people with knee osteoarthritis can benefit from physical therapy. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Another issue that can cause knee stiffness after sitting for a while is rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis isn’t related to natural wear and tear.

Instead, it’s caused by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking joint tissue, and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms typically affect multiple joints at once. 

Knee stiffness is just one common symptom of this condition.

You might also notice various levels of pain and swelling if you have rheumatoid arthritis. 

Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center can help you find relief from a stiff knee after sitting

Are you ready to find an effective treatment for your knee stiffness? Our team at Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation can help you. 

We offer comprehensive screenings to help you learn the source of your symptoms, and our team can build a one-on-one therapy plan to target this source. 

Our plans are built using multiple beneficial therapy techniques, and some of the techniques we may include in your plan are: 

• Active release
• Graston Technique®
• At-home care
• Cupping

Take the next step to start treating your knee stiffness. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. 

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