Do your joints feel tight and sore when you wake up in the morning? Morning joint pain is a common condition, and if you are suffering from it, it’s important to know what’s going on. Below, our rheumatologists in Valparaiso, Indiana are going to explain some of the most common reasons for this early-morning discomfort.
Your joints get stiff from staying still all night.
It is during sleep that your body finally gets the long break it needs after a full day of moving and carrying your weight. This rest is, of course, good for your body.
But when you are asleep, your joints also stay in the same position for hours. Due to that lack of movement, synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates your joints) does not circulate as well. As a result, your joints can feel stiff and sore when you first wake up.
But once you get out of bed and start moving your body, the fluid starts circulating again. Blood flow increases and the stiffness usually goes away quickly. This type of morning stiffness is temporary and generally not a sign of anything serious.
Your morning pain can be a sign of arthritis.
Some types of morning stiffness can last longer and feel more intense than simple overnight tightness. If it lasts for more than half an hour or if you also experience swelling or pain, it could be a sign of inflammation. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis regularly experience morning stiffness that lasts 30 minutes or longer.
An experienced rheumatologist in Valparaiso, Indiana will closely check how long your stiffness lasts and if there are signs of inflammation. Based on their observations, they can confirm if your symptoms match the pattern of arthritis.
In other words, you must be extra careful if the discomfort feels like more than just a slow start to the morning. You could have arthritis. And in that case, early treatment can reduce the risk of joint damage and limit the condition’s impact.
Your mattress or sleeping positions can be the problem.
Of course, inflammation is not the only cause of joint pain. Sometimes the reason your joints hurt in the morning has more to do with how you sleep and even the surface you sleep on. For example, a sagging mattress can keep your spine, hips, knees and shoulders in awkward positions for hours. Even a slight misalignment can turn into soreness by morning.
Check your sleeping position also. When your body is in the same position all night, your joints can feel the effect of being stuck for too long.
So, if you wake up with pain that goes away as the day goes on, your mattress or sleeping position could be the reason. In this case, buying a new mattress or trying a different sleeping position can be all that is needed. Even changing your pillow or adding support under your knees or lower back can help your joints rest in a more natural position.
When should you talk to a specialist?
Occasional morning stiffness is usually nothing you should worry about. But what if it starts happening every day or if the pain takes longer and longer to go away? Those can be signs of a bigger problem so the best thing you can do is see a licensed rheumatologist in Valparaiso, Indiana.
A specialist may order imaging to check the condition of your bones and soft tissues. They may also order blood tests to check for signs of inflammation or autoimmune activity. These tests give them a fuller picture of the condition of your joints.
Once a rheumatologist knows the cause of your symptoms, they can create a treatment plan for you. This may include specific joint exercises or medications to reduce inflammation. Your rheumatologist may also include some lifestyle adjustments to improve your condition.
Looking for an affordable rheumatologist in Valparaiso, Indiana?
Are you looking for a qualified rheumatologist in Valparaiso, Indiana who can help you understand and manage your morning joint pain? If so, our rheumatologists at 219 Health Network are the people to see. We can diagnose your symptoms and recommend the best treatment options. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.