Joint stiffness
Joint stiffness can be one of the earliest signs of arthritis. Joint stiffness is defined as discomfort after a period of inactivity (such as waking up in the morning or sitting for an extended period of time), decreased range of motion or a loss of range of motion in a joint.
With osteoarthritis, joint stiffness after waking may last up to 30 minutes. With inflammatory types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, the stiffness typically lasts more than one hour (referred to as morning stiffness). You should consult a doctor about persistent joint stiffness even if there is no obvious redness or swelling around the joint.
