What are the Causes of Morning Stiffness?

What is morning stiffness? This type of condition maybe uncommon for some of us; nevertheless, there are already a lot of people suffering from this kind of problem all around the world. Morning stiffness is considered as a common symptom to various types of diseases and disorders. This usually affects the joints of the body causing problems in movement and any other types of activities. Once morning stiffness is being experienced, it is recommended that an immediate check up to the doctor is done in order for the correct diagnosis to be made and the appropriate interventions to be given. But what are the causes of morning stiffness?

What diseases can lead to Morning Stiffness?

Just like what is mentioned earlier, morning stiffness is considered as a common symptom to many types of diseases and health conditions. Some of these conditions include the following:

• Acromicric Dysplasia – Acromicric dysplasia is a type of rare genetic disease wherein the extremities or the limbs of the body are very short. This is a result from the abnormality in bone maturation which likewise affects the stature of the person. In addition to very slow bone maturation, general growth retardation is also present. This type of genetic disorder is recognized as a possible cause of morning stiffness.

• Adrenal Gland Hyperfunction – When we say hyperfunction, this means the increase in the work of a certain organ or gland in the body. Adrenal gland hyperfunction or otherwise known as adrenocortical hyperfunction is a condition that causes the adrenal cortext to produce aldosterone and cortisone in abnormally high levels. Because of this, Cushing’s disease and hyperaldosteronism can occur. This can likewise lead to the increase in muscle bulk in the body thus causing stiffness and limitations in regular movement.

• Arthritis – Arthritis is actually the most common cause of morning stiffness. This is a type of degenerative disease that causes the joints of the body to inflame which is a result from constant wear and tear. This is considered an irreversible disease that cannot be cured but only relieved from its symptoms. Two of the most common types of arthritis that can lead to stiffness are the osteoarthritis and the rheumatoid arthritis.

• Connective Tissue Disorders – another possible cause of stiifness is the connective tissue disorder. This is a type of condition affects the connective tissues that allow smooth movement of the different joints in the body. However, once these connective tissues begin to degenerate, stiffness can start to settle in all the joints.

• Fibromyalgia – Fibromyalgia is a rare condition that is still unexplainable with today’s medical science. This condition causes morning stiffness and pain which is a body’s response to pressure. More than 70% of people suffering from this health problem are said to experience morning stiffness.

• Autoimmune Thyroid Disease – This problem is caused by the dysfunction of the body’s immune defenses that confuses the production of thyroid as an antigen attack. This results to the attacking of the immune system to the thyroid in order to block the production of hormones. This affects the thyroxin, which can lead to the presence of stiffness.

These are just some of the common diseases and disorders that can produce morning stiffness as one of the symptoms. However, morning stiffness is not only present due to these diseases. Morning stiffness can also result from different lifestyle factors. These factors include the following:

Other Factors that can Cause Morning Stiffness

• Obesity or Overweight – Becoming overweight or obese can also lead to the experience of morning stiffness. Increase in weight can also increase the strain on the different joints in the body particularly those at the back and the legs. Because of this, discomfort and stiffness can be felt in the joints.

• Sedentary Lifestyle – in line with obesity, the lack of activity can also cause stiffness in the joints. More and more people suffer from various diseases and health problems due to the absence of exercise in their lifestyle. This simple activity can increase the supply of oxygen to the different parts of the body, including the joints, in order to function well.

• Absence of Proper Diet – diet can also greatly affect the different conditions in the body. Having a diet low in vitamins and high in sodium and cholesterol can lead to certain health conditions that can result to joint problems such as stiffness. Poor diet likewise leads to poor posture causing the muscles and bones to weaken and can lead to chronic fatigue.

• Poor Sleeping Posture –Sleeping posture is very important in order to attain good rest for the body. Some cases of poor sleeping posture have already contributed to insomnia, stiffness of the joints and poor blood flow. The type of bed we lie on at night can also contribute to this problem. Having a too soft or too hard bed can place strain on the back and shoulder as well as the muscles located in the neck.

• Extremely Cold Climates – having a cold and/or damp environment while sleeping can also affect the blood flow as well as the joints of the body. This can lead to stress and interfere with the sleeping pattern.

These are some of the factors that can contribute to the presence of morning stiffness. If these things are not corrected immediately, morning stiffness can worsen which can already be hard for us to manage. Morning stiffness is something that we should never take for granted.

You might also like:

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment A Heartburn Natural Remedy That Really Works Individualized Natural Cure for Lupus Hyperthyroidism Treatment Coping With Urinary Incontinence What is Antifreeze Poisoning in Humans? Is it Dangerous? Important facts about a Broken Hip in the Elderly What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Natural Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome Natural Remedy for Bladder Infection