Why morning stiffness often eases once you move

Feeling stiff when you first get out of bed is common. Joints and muscles have been still for several hours, so those first movements can feel slower or less comfortable than they do later in the day.

Gentle movement increases circulation and allows the tissues around a joint to warm up. A short walk, an easy mobility routine or simply moving through your normal morning tasks may be enough to make things feel easier.

When to ask for help

Speak to a suitable healthcare professional if stiffness is new, severe, follows an injury or regularly lasts for a long time. Seek urgent medical care for sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain or other serious symptoms.

This article is general information. It is not a personal assessment or medical advice.