In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), clinical symptoms such as joint stiffness, pain, and functional disability are commonly most severe in the early morning. These symptoms closely follow the circadian rhythm of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6. To manage these symptoms effectively, it is important to plan ahead. Taking pain or anti-inflammatory medications an hour before getting out of bed in the morning can be beneficial. It’s also advisable to keep a small snack by your bedside to avoid taking medication on an empty stomach.
Joint stiffness, which is usually worse in the mornings and after periods of inactivity, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite are typical symptoms of early rheumatoid arthritis. This condition tends to affect smaller joints first, particularly those that attach fingers to hands and toes to feet.
By morning, the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes are less effective, leading to stiff and painful joints. There are several strategies to help alleviate morning symptoms in RA. These include planning your medication schedule, staying active, and adopting healthy sleep habits.
In RA or another type of inflammatory arthritis, morning stiffness can last more than an hour, or even several hours. With psoriatic arthritis (PsA), joint stiffness and pain are often worse in the morning, and symptoms can last for 30 minutes or more.
For individuals with RA, mornings can be particularly challenging. Factors such as stress and the severity of the disease can affect sleep quality and exacerbate morning symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and pain, along with other symptoms like weakness, fever, and fatigue. It is estimated that 80% of people with RA experience significant morning symptoms.
For more detailed information, please visit the following sources:
PubMed
Healthline
Mayo Clinic
WebMD
Verywell Health
RheumatoidArthritis.net
Healthline
