What is a common symptom found in inflammatory joint diseases?

Morning stiffness is a common and often notable symptom in inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. This stiffness typically occurs after periods of inactivity, particularly after waking up in the morning. It is characterized by an inability to move the affected joints freely due to inflammation and can last for varying periods, often improving with movement throughout the day.

Morning stiffness is primarily caused by the inflammatory process itself, which leads to increased synovial fluid buildup and joint swelling overnight. As a result, individuals may experience a sense of tightness and discomfort upon waking, which is a hallmark of conditions that involve chronic inflammation of the joints.

This symptom helps differentiate inflammatory joint diseases from degenerative joint diseases, where morning stiffness is usually less pronounced and improves more rapidly with activity. Recognizing this key symptom is important for accurate diagnosis and management of inflammatory conditions affecting the joints.