General practice·General practice
Morning stiffness
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Morning stiffness is the feeling of tightness or difficulty moving your joints when you first wake up. It often improves as you move around. This can be a normal part of aging or a sign of an underlying condition, especially if it lasts longer than 30 minutes.
Key facts
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes may be a sign of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gentle movement and heat can help relieve morning stiffness.
- If stiffness is new, severe, or comes with swelling or redness, you should see a healthcare provider.
Yes, morning stiffness is very common. Many people experience it occasionally, especially as they get older. It affects up to 80% of people with certain types of arthritis.
Morning stiffness can affect people of all ages, but it becomes more common with age. It is especially common in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia. Younger people may also experience it due to overuse injuries or inflammatory conditions.