myRAteam

Why does rheumatoid arthritis feel worse in the morning?

Morning stiffness is one of the most common symptoms of RA, affecting nearly three-quarters of people with the condition. This happens because RA causes inflammation in the lining of your joints, and stiffness tends to worsen after periods of inactivity—like sleeping Show Full Answer

Why does rheumatoid arthritis feel worse in the morning?

Morning stiffness is one of the most common symptoms of RA, affecting nearly three-quarters of people with the condition. This happens because RA causes inflammation in the lining of your joints, and stiffness tends to worsen after periods of inactivity—like sleeping through the night.

When you wake up, your affected joints may feel stiff, painful, or have limited range of motion. This can make simple tasks like getting out of bed or preparing breakfast challenging.

For people with RA, morning stiffness typically lasts much longer than other types of arthritis—often around 90 minutes or more, compared to just 30 minutes with osteoarthritis. If your morning stiffness lasts longer than an hour, it's a characteristic sign of inflammatory arthritis like RA.

The good news is that for many people, the stiffness gradually loosens up throughout the day as you move around and your joints "wake up."

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing Morning Stiffness