Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
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Morning stiffness lasting over an hour

Also called: Morning stiffness

Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour can be a sign of inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis. It should be checked.

Common causesRheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory arthritis
Usually serious?Can be
Get checked ifStiffness lasting over an hour
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Osteoarthritis stiffness usually lasts less than 30 minutes.

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects both hands.

When to get medical care

Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayRed, hot, swollen joint with fever.
See a doctor soonMorning stiffness over an hour.

Causes

Causes include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause morning stiffness lasting over an hour. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Rheumatoid arthritisSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints.

Less likely causes

  • Cleft lip and palateSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    An opening in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth, or both, present at birth.

What you can do at home

  • Take a warm shower.
  • Stay active.

Medicines

Treatments can protect joints.

At the doctor

Blood tests help.

Questions you may be asked

  • Duration
  • Joints

The exam

A joint exam.

Tests

  • Blood tests
  • X-rays

Prevention

Early treatment helps.

  • Get checked early

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.