Epistemis

Morning joint stiffness

Specialty: Musculoskeletal.

  • morning stiffness
  • stiff joints

Why it occurs

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (> 1 h)
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica
  • Osteoarthritis (stiffness < 30 min)
  • Spondyloarthritis

Initial workup

Duration (>1 h suggests inflammatory); CRP/ESR, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP.

red flags

Prolonged morning stiffness with symmetrical joint swelling and elevation of reactants.

Standard management

  • NSAIDs — symptomatic control
  • Corticoid / FAME — yes confirmed inflammatory arthritis

Educational guidance for study. It is NOT a prescription recommendation. The actual choice depends on the cause, the patient, and current guidelines.

PreviousVertebral rectification
Area
Musculoskeletal
Listed causes
4
Treatment options
2
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