- van de Stadt LA, Haugen IK, Felson D, Kloppenburg M. Prolonged morning stiffness is common in hand OA and does not preclude a diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2023 Apr;31(4):529-533. Epub 2022 Nov 18. PMID: 36403716.
Although morning stiffness lasting more than 60 minutes is often a cardinal symptom of inflammatory arthritis, it does not rule out other diagnoses. Until now, little was known about the prevalence of one-hour joint stiffness in osteoarthritis patients. A recent study has looked further into this.
The researchers analysed data from just over 500 patients with confirmed osteoarthritis of the hands. 17% of those affected suffered from prolonged morning stiffness.
The study authors were also able to prove that joint stiffness after getting up for an hour or longer was associated with more severe disease overall. Those affected suffered from more severe pain and poorer joint function. In addition, their quality of life and mental health were negatively affected. Radiological imaging also showed increased disease activity, albeit without statistical significance.
The data clearly show that the presence of long-term morning stiffness does not necessarily rule out the diagnosis of osteoarthritis. They also show that patients who have this symptom and are diagnosed with osteoarthritis are often more seriously ill than patients without persistent joint stiffness.
Contrary to popular belief, morning stiffness lasting more than an hour is not uncommon in osteoarthritis. Therefore, the disease should not be categorically ruled out if this symptom is present.