What is a common symptom in inflammatory joint diseases?

Morning stiffness is a common symptom in inflammatory joint diseases because it reflects the inflammatory process that occurs in the joints overnight. This stiffness is particularly characteristic of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation. When a person has inflammatory joint disease, fluids accumulate in the joints, and the surrounding tissues can become swollen and painful, which often results in increased stiffness after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping.

This symptom typically improves with movement throughout the day, making it a notable feature for diagnosis. Individuals may feel a strong urge to stretch or mobilize their joints after waking up to alleviate this stiffness. Recognizing morning stiffness as a hallmark of inflammatory joint conditions aids healthcare providers in assessing and differentiating these conditions from other types of musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis, which may not present with this symptom in the same way.