Normal morning stiffness occurs because fluid in joints becomes less distributed during inactivity overnight. Movement redistributes this fluid and stiffness resolves quickly. In osteoarthritis the stiffness typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. In inflammatory arthritis morning stiffness lasting more than an hour is a characteristic symptom.
Warming up slowly with gentle movement before getting out of bed or a warm shower helps reduce stiffness. Do not ignore prolonged morning stiffness, particularly if joints appear swollen. Early treatment of inflammatory arthritis significantly improves long-term outcomes.