Why do my joints hurt and feel stiff in the morning?
The clock tells the story: stiffness easing within thirty minutes of moving points to wear-and-tear osteoarthritis, worse after use, better with rest. Stiffness lasting beyond an hour, especially in both hands' small joints with swelling, points to inflammatory arthritis, which is a different disease with a different urgency.
Inflammatory arthritis treated early can be driven into remission; treated late, joints pay permanently.
Note which joints, how long morning stiffness really lasts, and any swelling, then bring that log in. Persistent swelling in any joint deserves blood tests, not just tolerance.
Source: NHS, joint pain
See a doctor promptly if
- New difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the genitals or between the legs: go to emergency now
- Back pain with fever, chills, or recent serious infection or injection drug use
- Back pain after a significant fall or accident, or any fall in someone with osteoporosis or long-term steroid use
- Back pain with unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or pain that is constant and worse at night
- New weakness in a leg or foot, such as a foot that slaps or drags
Try the symptom diary10 seconds a day, free, nothing to installThe first question in the room is when, how often and what came before it. A dated week answers all three.
Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
If you are buying a thermometer
A basic digital stick thermometer is accurate and costs a few dollars. Forehead scanners are fine for quick checks on children; ear thermometers need good technique to read true.
Buying through this link supports the free library with a small commission. It never changes a pick.
A question about your own situation?
One question, answered personally by a doctor in writing within 24 hours.
People also ask
Health education, not medical advice.