Your cartilage, the spongy substance that covers the ends of your bones, starts to dry out and stiffen as you get older. Additionally, your body produces less synovial fluid—a substance that functions as an oil to keep your joints lubricated.
Your joints might not move as freely as they once did as a result. The best course of action is to simply keep moving even though it may sound impractical. Your joints need to move in order for synovial fluid to stay loose.
Osteoarthritis occurs when a joint is immobile at night and so it does not receive the lubrication it requires to move properly. Osteoarthritis-related morning stiffness usually goes away in thirty minutes or less when you move about and lubricate the stiff joint. However, the cause of joint stiffness with inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis) is thought to be caused by inflammation that builds within your joints as you rest overnight. It reaches peak levels in the morning, and frequently lasts for an hour or longer in the morning.
Before you look into different treatment choices, you should see a doctor. Identifying the root cause of the issue is the greatest approach to choosing an appropriate remedy.
Your physician can identify the problem and provide advice on how to reduce stiffness and stop any further symptoms you may be having.
Your doctor may recommend any of the following treatments to ease your discomfort:
- Mild joint pain symptoms can be relieved with over-the-counter medicines. In order to treat arthritis, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are frequently prescribed.
- Compresses, either hot or cold, can be useful. Heat will ease the muscles and joints, while cold will lessen swelling.
- Steroids can help lessen the inflammation and swelling that results in stiffness.
- Exercise and physical therapy contribute to a healthy weight and increased mobility, both of which can lessen stiffness in the joints.
- A substance that naturally exists in the fluid around joints is called glucosamine sulphate. Pain and stiffness can be reduced by supplementing with glucosamine.
- Supplementing with fish oil can also help relieve stiff joints.
Additional recommendations
These suggestions will help alleviate morning stiffness in your joints, regardless of whether you have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other kinds of inflammatory arthritis.
Start prior to getting up.
Do some easy stretch and move your body around five to ten times while you’re still in bed. Before starting the day, that helps to loosen up the joints and relieve some of the pain and stiffness.
Consider topical medications
Over-the-counter creams can assist relieve inflammation or have a heating impact on your skin and joints. If you’re unsure whether using topical drugs with your oral prescriptions is okay, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Pay attention to body positioning
Having the right support while you sleep might help you stay out of uncomfortable postures that cause morning stiffness. Select a pillow that fits your sleeping position and a comfortable mattress that isn’t too firm.
Select your gadgets.
Throughout the day, an ergonomic tool or device might help you get things done, particularly if you’re having problems closing your hand completely. Examples involve using tools with a broader handle or built-in grip, and replacing doorknobs with levers to make them simpler to turn.
Make sleep a priority.
Both the intensity and perception of pain you experience can rise as a result of poor sleep quality or inadequate rest. Pain and sleep quality are specifically related in cases with Fibromyalgia.
Eat well.
Be mindful to select foods that reduce inflammation. Steer clear of processed meals and sugary treats. Increasing your consumption of foods high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower inflammation in the body, is also a wise choice.
Keep going.
The joints becoming inactive or being stuck in one position for an extended period of time may also be problematic. Keep your week filled with a variety of strengthening, flexibility, and endurance workouts!
Lastly, making sure you take your medication as prescribed is one of the more crucial management measures for joint stiffness. Have a conversation with your doctor regarding the timing or dosage of your medications for them to be most effective.
References:
Arthritis Society Canada. 10 Tips to Manage Morning Stiffness in your Joints – https://arthritis.ca/living-well/2022/10-tips-to-manage-morning-stiffness-in-your-joints
Bone and Joint Canada. Osteoarthritis and You – https://boneandjointcanada.com/osteoarthritis/educational-resources/
811 Nova Scotia. Osteoarthritis –
https://811.novascotia.ca/health_topics/osteoarthritis-2/