The joint lining also produces less synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint. Weak muscles and stiff tendons also tend to tighten during sleep. Osteoarthritis, the "wear and tear" kind , and rheumatoid arthritis, which involves swelling and inflammation , both can trigger morning stiffness. The average episode lasts only about 10 to 15 minutes. The stiffness goes away as you move and warm up the joints and muscles.
However, stiffness from rheumatoid arthritis may last more than an hour. You cannot reverse the effects of joint aging, and while certain medications can help manage arthritis pain and inflammation, stiffness can still occur. Still, you can reduce the severity and frequency of morning joint stiffness by being more active and engaging in exercise to increase muscle strength and flexibility. Maintaining a healthy weight also can help.
Finally, don't be swayed by joint health supplements, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. These do not appear to help manage symptoms in the long term. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. The inflammation causes pain as well as stiffness. Bursitis can happen in nearly any joint, but it is most common in larger joints, such as:.
Bursitis usually heals by itself with rest. A person should typically reduce activities that move the joint and rest the joint for long periods. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative type of arthritis that affects over This type of arthritis is due to wear and tear and is, therefore, more frequently seen in people over the age of Treatments usually center around relieving pain and reducing swelling in the joints. People whose osteoarthritis is particularly painful and debilitating may require surgery.
Rheumatoid arthritis RA is another common arthritis that affects about 1. RA typically appears in adults between the ages of 30 and RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack otherwise healthy joints. People with RA will experience pain and swelling as the body attacks the joints. Lupus is another autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue, such as muscles and joints.
When lupus attacks the joints, symptoms include :. Lupus is often difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms are similar to other medical conditions. There is no cure and symptoms will get worse over time. Treatment focuses on treating the symptoms.
Available treatments can be effective in helping people find symptom relief. Gout is a sudden onset arthritis that tends to affect males more often than females.
Gout is a condition that develops quickly, with symptoms sometimes appearing overnight, often in the big toe. Symptoms include :. Gout can develop in any joint. Gout will typically appear for a short period and go away. People with gout often get symptoms on and off throughout their life.
Treatment focuses on reducing the severity of the symptoms and lowering levels of uric acid in the blood. The years of using their joints, bones, and muscles finally catch with them, causing stiffness and discomfort. Most experience stiffness in the morning right after waking up. Joint stiffness can be caused by a number of factors. Read on to discover what causes stiff joints and what you can do to treat them. Stiff joints are exactly what the name suggests.
The discomfort can range in severity. Some cases may be mild and only impact mobility for a short amount of time after sitting or lying down for a long period. Others may be more serious, causing more discomfort and decreased mobility. Inflammation and pain can sometimes occur with stiffness, making walking or standing painful. Stiff joints can be caused or made worse by a number of factors. Not all joint stiffness is caused by aging. The stiffness can be a sign of an underlying condition.
Conditions that cause joint stiffness include arthritis, gout, bursitis, lupus, bone cancer, and degenerative joint disease in Atlanta.
Diet, weight, and other lifestyle factors can also have an impact on mobility and stiffness. Before you begin researching treatment options, you should see a doctor. The best way to find a suitable treatment is to determine what is causing the problem. Your doctor can diagnose the issue and recommend an appropriate way to ease stiffness and prevent other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Here are a few remedies that your doctor may suggest to treat your discomfort:. Though you should always talk to your doctor when experiencing a health issue, there are times when it's more essential than others. If the stiffness appears suddenly or lasts for more than five to seven days straight, seek medical help. You should also see your doctor if you experience joint deformity, difficulty moving the joint, redness, severe pain, or rapid swelling with the joint stiffness. It can improve joint and muscle function, helping Merck and Co.
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Common Health Topics. Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders.
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