Yes, arthritis can cause morning stiffness. That’s why the first question that your doctor asks you, when he suspects arthritis, Do you have joint stiffness when you get up in the morning? This is one of the symptoms. But this is not the only symptom. It is also important to know that all patients of arthritis don’t have morning stiffness. Some of them even complain about chronic pain or hurting in the joints when they get up.

The duration of morning stiffness has significance in determining the type of arthritis the patient has. Most of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis complain of morning stiffness for around one hour. Whereas patients of osteoarthritis say that they overcome morning stiffness in half an hour time.

Morning stiffness may happen in the affected joints. Apart from this there might also be swelling, pain and inflammation in the joints. Joint may even become stiff at times when you have walked for a longer time. It may even happen when you have not moved the affected joint for some time. These joints may be knees, neck,
lower spine etc. It is important to treat this condition because it causes lots of discomfort. Along with conventional therapy, alternative therapies will also be helpful.