Morning Stiffness

What is it?

Morning stiffness is the perception of tightness and reduced range of motion in joints or muscles upon waking that improves over time with activity. The duration of morning stiffness is diagnostically significant: stiffness lasting under 30 minutes suggests degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), while stiffness lasting more than 1 hour is characteristic of inflammatory arthritis — particularly rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica also cause prolonged morning stiffness.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Morning stiffness lasting more than 30–60 minutes with joint swelling or warmth
• 2Bilateral symmetric small joint stiffness (wrists, knuckles, feet) — possible RA
• 3Morning stiffness with shoulder girdle and hip girdle pain in a patient over 50 — polymyalgia rheumatica
• 4Back stiffness that improves with exercise but not rest in a young adult — ankylosing spondylitis
• 5Morning stiffness with psoriasis, skin rash, or eye inflammation

What you can do

• ✓Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises before getting out of bed reduces stiffness
• ✓Warm shower or bath in the morning — heat reduces joint stiffness and improves flexibility
• ✓Keep joints warm during sleep — use bedding appropriate for temperature
• ✓Regular aerobic exercise reduces chronic inflammatory arthritis stiffness over time
• ✓Do not stay still for prolonged periods — regular movement throughout the day is essential

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions