Morning Stiffness

Definition

The term morning stiffness is used to describe a symptom that can occur in a number of different diseases. Joint diseases in particular are associated with a pronounced morning stiffness. After a prolonged period of rest, such as in the morning after getting up, the joints of people with the symptom are less mobile than usual. In the course of the day or with increased joint movement, however, the extent of the symptoms decreases. Morning stiffness is a well-known symptom, especially in diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatism (rheumatoid arthritis).

Causes

Morning stiffness can occur as part of a number of different conditions. Morning stiffness is a well-known symptom, especially in certain joint diseases. The reasons for the occurrence of morning stiffness are usually an active inflammation in the joint.

Thus, the so-called cortisone level, i.e. a certain hormone in the body, drops during the night, which leads to an increased inflammatory reaction in the body. Reduced mobility and increased joint pain in the morning are the result of the inflammatory reactions at night. In the course of the day, the cortisone level rises and the body’s own inflammatory processes are inhibited by the hormone.

Thus, the discomfort caused by exercise also decreases in the course of the day. Inflammatory processes of the joints can be caused by a number of different diseases. Arthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the typical diseases with the symptom of morning stiffness.

In the case of joint arthrosis, wear and tear occurs and thus leads to an inflammatory reaction of the joints. The causes for the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis are still largely unexplained, although an autoimmune cause is likely. However, morning stiffness in rheumatism is generally much more pronounced than is the case with osteoarthritis.

Depending on which joints are affected, morning stiffness can severely restrict everyday life. Another reason for the development of morning stiffness can be a hormonal change in the course of the menopause. During the menopause, this hormonal change leads to a number of different symptoms (see: Menopause symptoms), which can be perceived differently by each woman.

In these cases, morning stiffness affects both the joints and especially the muscles. For example, muscle pain is common during the menopause and can lead to limited mobility of joints and muscles. In rare cases, neurological diseases can also lead to morning stiffness.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a particular case in this respect. In this chronic inflammatory disease, the isolation of the nerves running in the central nervous system is impaired. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary greatly from individual to individual and can include morning stiffness and pain in muscles and joints.

Nevertheless, it is a relatively rare disease, which is why it is not necessary to immediately think of multiple sclerosis when morning stiffness occurs. During the menopause, joint pain can occur in addition to a variety of different complaints. These manifest themselves in symptoms similar to arthrosis or arthritis (joint inflammation).

Those affected can also suffer from morning stiffness. The joint complaints are explained by the drop in oestrogen levels during the menopause. Oestrogens play an important role in blood circulation and the formation of collagen.

The lack of estrogen causes a lack of collagen and hardening of the joint surface, which promotes the development of pain and discomfort. In addition, estrogens promote the release of happiness hormones, which suppress the sensation of pain. This mechanism is also reduced by the lack of estrogen. Hormone preparations are used to alleviate symptoms during the menopause.