Morning Stiffness
Joint or body stiffness that is worst in the morning and improves with movement, which can be a sign of inflammatory arthritis.
What is Morning Stiffness?
Morning Stiffness is a symptom that people may experience for many reasons. It can be related to infections, chronic conditions, injuries, medication effects, or other health changes. The presence of this symptom alone does not diagnose any condition.
If you have Morning Stiffness that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other warning signs, contact a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible conditions associated with Morning Stiffness
The following conditions have been associated with Morning Stiffness. Only a health professional can determine the underlying cause.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing back pain and stiffness.
Fibromyalgia
A chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep, memory, and mood disturbances.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory condition causing pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips, most common in older adults.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation of joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and joint damage.
Sacroiliitis
Inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints at the base of the spine, causing pain in the lower back, buttocks,...
Related symptoms
When to seek medical care
Seek urgent care if Morning Stiffness is severe, sudden, or occurs with chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, severe weakness, or other serious symptoms.