Arthritis is an umbrella term the encompasses different types of arthritic conditions that cause pain and swelling in one or more joints of the body. The symptoms of arthritis vary from person to person, but stiff joints when first waking up in the morning is one of its most common and prominent symptom.

The two most prevalent types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and both can trigger morning stiffness. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear damage to the joints, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking the joints and causing pain and swelling.

Morning stiffness in arthritis is caused by several factors, and episodes usually last for around 15 minutes, although it can last for more than 1 hour in some people with rheumatoid arthritis. Morning stiffness may occur for the following reasons:
• The lining of the joint releases less synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint
• The soft cartilage within the joint becomes dry and stiff
• Muscles and tendons tighten during sleep

Although morning stiffness goes away on its own as you move and warm up the joints, there are many things you can do to deal with the stiffness and make it go away faster. The following are some tips to deal with morning stiffness.

Taking Medication
Keep a snack and pain or anti-inflammatory medication by your bed and set another alarm an hour before you normally wake up. When your alarm ring, eat the snack and take the medication. When it is time for you to get out of bed the medication should have taken effect and helped reduce the stiffness and pain you may feel.

Moving the Joints
When you wake up and before you get out of bed, move all the joints in your body by repeatedly flexing and extending the. Do this slowly and gently to avoid hurting yourself. Once you moved the joints, gently stretch each affected joint and hold it for 20 or 30 seconds. Do not overdo it and stop immediately if you feel any pain.

Warming the Joint
Apply warmth to the affected joints when you get out of bed. You can take a shower with warm water, wet a towel or cloth in warm water and apply it to the joint, or use a heating blanket.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Eating a healthy breakfast can help lessen the stiffness and give the energy you need to start your day.

See a Specialist
Sometimes the stiffness is compounded by the position you sleep. For example, if you clench your fist while asleep, stiffness in your fingers will be bad in the morning. A specialist can recommend splints or other devices to prevent that from happening.