Stiffness can occur when there are problems within and around the structures of a joint, including ligaments and muscles. Some of these problems may include:1 Arthritis. 2 Fractures. 3 Dislocations.4 Bad sprains.
Hand symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness, stiffness, or problems moving the affected hand. Symptoms can result from damage or injury to any of the structures in your hand, including bones, joints, tendons, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, connective tissue, skin, or fingernails.  DESCRIPTION. A variety of problems can cause hand stiffness, limiting the use and function that we often take for granted. Stiffness can occur when there are problems within and around the structures of a joint, including ligaments and muscles. Some of these problems may include: 1  Arthritis. 2  Fractures. 3  Dislocations. 4  Bad sprains. There are 2 types of stiffness: it can mean a reduction in the overall range of movement i.e. the extent of the bending or straightening possible in a joint or series of joints; and it can mean a lack of easy flow within that range of movement. Stiffness can be due to joint problems i.e. the underlying structure is abnormal or it can occur due to soft tissue problems which prevent full movement. The commonest cause is arthritis in a joint (see information sheet). Stiffness. Stiff hand (symptom description): Stiff hand is listed as a type of or related-symptom for symptom Stiffness. Stiff hand (symptom description): For a medical symptom description of 'Stiff hand', the following symptom information may be relevant to the symptoms: Stiffness (type of symptom). However, note that other causes of the symptom 'Stiff hand' may be possible 1 Hand pain and Stiffness and Sensory symptoms (10 causes). 2  Hand pain and Stiffness and Skin symptoms (9 causes). 3  Hand pain and Stiffness and Swelling symptoms (9 causes). 4  Hand pain and Stiffness and Skin color changes (8 causes). 1 Hand pain and Stiffness and Nerve symptoms (10 causes). 2  Hand pain and Stiffness and Pain (10 causes). 3  Hand pain and Stiffness and Sensations (10 causes). 4  Arthritis. It should be apparent that stiffness in the finger or hand is not always arthritis, but arthritis still remains an important cause of finger stiffness. Arthritis is the loss of cartilage that covers the end of the bones, which allows for smooth motion at the joints.  Hand or finger stiffness or tightness is encountered rarely on Symcat. We will add more content to this page if enough people like you show interest. The most common causes of hand or finger stiffness or tightness are trigger finger (finger disorder), osteoarthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Other possible causes, such as bruise, are more rare.  WebMD Symptom Checker helps you find the most common medical conditions indicated by the symptoms stiffness or decreased movement, swelling (hand (palm)), swelling (fingers) and unable to grip (hands) including Osteoarthritis, Scleroderma, and Angioedema. 
http://www.healthgrades.com/symptoms/hand-symptoms http://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-injuries/Stiffness http://www.handtoelbow.com/stiffness/ http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/symptom/stiff-hand.htm http://symptoms.rightdiagnosis.com/cosymptoms/hand-pain/stiffness.htm http://www.toi-health.com/blog/post/Common-Causes-of-Finger-Stiffness.aspx http://www.symcat.com/symptoms/hand-or-finger-stiffness-or-tightness http://symptomchecker.webmd.com/multiple-symptoms?symptoms=stiffness-or-decreased-movement|swelling|swelling|unable-to-grip-(hands)&symptomids=11|5|5|348&locations=50|49|50|50
what causes stiffness in hands