The Real Reason Your Joints Are Stiff in the Morning
**Why Your Joints Feel Stiff When You Wake Up (And What Helps)**
Waking up with stiff, achy joints is frustrating. That “rusty hinge” feeling in your fingers, knees, or hips isn’t just part of aging—it’s often your body signaling something needs attention. Here’s what’s happening and how to find relief.
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### **The Morning Stiffness Culprits**
1. **Osteoarthritis**: The most common cause[1]. Cartilage (the cushion between bones) wears down over time, making joints grind instead of glide smoothly. Morning stiffness usually eases within 30 minutes of moving around[1][5].
2. **Inflammation**: Conditions like bursitis or tendinitis cause swelling near joints, leading to stiffness that feels worse after hours of inactivity[3].
3. **Psoriatic Arthritis**: Linked to psoriasis skin issues, this causes joint pain and stiffness that lingers for hours after waking[4].
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### **Why Does It Happen?**
– **Fluid Buildup**: Lying still reduces joint fluid circulation, letting inflammation-related proteins pool around joints overnight[3][4].
– **Cartilage Stress**: Damaged cartilage struggles to absorb shock during movement, leaving joints tender after rest periods[5].
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### **Quick Fixes That Help**
– **Move Gently First Thing**: Stretch fingers/toes before getting out of bed to boost blood flow[1][3].
– **Apply Heat**: A warm shower or heating pad loosens stiff tissues by increasing circulation[1][4].
– **Stay Active Daily**: Low-impact exercises like swimming keep joints mobile without strain[2][5].
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### **When to See a Doctor**
Consult a specialist if you notice:
✔️ Swelling/warmth around joints (possible infection)[2]
✔️ Stiffness lasting >60 minutes daily (signals autoimmune issues)[4]
✔️ Grinding/popping sounds paired with pain (cartilage damage)[2]
Morning stiffness isn’t always serious but shouldn’t be ignored—especially if it disrupts daily tasks like opening jars or climbing stairs. Early diagnosis helps slow joint damage and keeps you moving comfortably longer.
