Morning stiffness is common among people with joint conditions . It manifests as difficulty in moving joints upon waking and often lasts for 30 minutes or more, says Dr Abhisar Katiyar, senior consultant and robotic surgeon-orthopaedics and joint replacement, Yatharth Hospitals Greater Noida. This stiffness is typically more pronounced in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis , he adds.
Also read | Morning stiffness for more than 30 min could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis More about morning stiffness Waking up with stiff joints can make simple tasks like getting out of bed or walking a challenge. According to Dr Yash Gulati, senior consultant, orthopaedics, joint replacement and spine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, morning stiffness can be the first symptom of early arthritis . "If stiffness wears away rapidly, it could be due to age-related osteoarthritis, and if stiffness continues for a prolonged period throughout the day, it can be a symptom of an inflammatory type of arthritis," he says.
Arthritis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Managing morning stiffness According to Dr Abhisar Katiyar, management strategies include taking prescribed medications before bedtime, gentle stretching exercises before getting out of bed, and using warm compresses. Patients experiencing persistent morning stiffness should consult expert professionals for further evaluation, he adds.
Dr Yash Gulati.
