Morning stiffness in joints: Early warning sign you shouldn’t ignore

Morning stiffness in joints could be a warning sign for arthritis or autoimmune disease. Know when to act before lasting damage occurs. (Image: Pexels)

Do you ever wake up feeling as if your joints are stuck in slow motion? You stretch, twist, and wait for them to loosen. However, if the stiffness continues for several days, it’s time to pay attention. Because your body warns you when something is not right and the sooner you notice it, the better you can protect your joints and your movement.

Sometimes, stiffness is just a passing phase. Other times, it’s the first sign for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. “Early morning stiffness of the joints must not be neglected, it can be an early sign of an underlying health condition, particularly inflammatory or autoimmune conditions,” says Dr Rajiv Ranjan, Consultant Rheumatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. “Many a time people often shrug off the signs but ignoring it can cause lasting joint damage. On the other hand acting early can keep your mobility intact.

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Dr Rajan shares a few significant reasons for severe early morning stiffness :

Can be an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA usually occurs in the form of morning stiffness that lasts more than 30–60 minutes. “Compared with osteoarthritis (OA), which can be a cause of transient stiffness, RA stiffness is typically long-lasting and resolves with activity, not rest.,” explains Dr Rajan. “Early diagnosis is important to avoid joint damage and disability,” he says.

Other inflammatory arthritis conditions: Some of the other inflammatory arthritis include lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and polymyalgia rheumatica. “All of these can cause morning stiffness, occasionally before any noticeable swelling or pain.

Autoimmune processes may begin gradually:  According to Dr Rajan joint stiffness is the initial indication that the immune system is attacking the body's own tissue. “Early treatment with drugs (e.g., DMARDs) may slow or halt disease progression,” he shares.

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Delayed diagnosis, permanent damage: Neglecting stiffness may result in permanent joint damage, loss of mobility, and reduced quality of life. “ Six to twelve months is usually termed as the "window of opportunity" for the best treatment for inflammatory arthritis,” Dr Rajan informs.

When to consult a doctor: Morning stiffness that lingers for 30 to 60 minutes, affecting several joints and lasting for weeks, may be a concern, especially if it’s paired with fatigue, swelling, or ongoing joint pain.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.