Stiffness in the joints in the morning is one of the dreaded symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The joints in the feet, hands, knees, hips and spine are most likely to be affected by this morning stiffness, which at its most severe can make simply moving after waking painful and difficult.
Some studies have shown that easing morning stiffness can have a positive effect on the overall wellbeing of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and improve their quality of life. However, as there has been few research studies specifically dedicated to examining exactly how and why morning stiffness occurs, its cause remains unknown.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to swelling. When the joint isn’t moving or is at rest, such as when you’re sleeping, the swelling becomes worse and that might be what leads to the morning stiffness. Moving the joints eases the stiffness and swelling, although that can be a painful and slow process first thing in the morning.
Sufferers can use some specific techniques to combat the pain of morning stiffness, beginning when you first waken and before you get out of bed. Bend and extend your fingers, elbows and knees from your prone position, slowly moving your wrists, shoulder and neck in circular motions to ease them gently into the day.
As you lie, stretch each stiff joint two or three times and hold the stretch for at least 20 seconds. Make sure your movements are slow and gentle – don’t force the joint into anything that increases the pain or stiffness and don’t overstretch.
Invest in an electric blanket and pop it on for 10 minutes or so every morning as a form of heat therapy. A warm bath or long, hot shower will have the same effect, although you’ll have to get out of bed for either of those and if you’re particularly stiff, that won’t help.
Talk to your GP if morning stiffness becomes debilitating. You may be referred to a physiotherapist who can devise specific exercises or stretches that work best for you.
Make sure you keep your medication by your bedside and take anti-inflammatories or pain relief as you need it.
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