Joint stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes in the morning is a strong indicator of inflammatory arthritis like RA.
- Osteoarthritis stiffness often eases within 30 minutes
- Rheumatoid arthritis stiffness may linger for hours
Tip: Stiffness that improves with movement is a red flag for arthritis, especially when combined with other symptoms.
4. Grinding or Cracking Sounds (Crepitus)
If your joints make a grinding, clicking, or cracking sound when moving, it could signal wear and tear in the cartilage.
This is especially common in osteoarthritis, where cartilage breakdown causes bone surfaces to rub together.
When to see a doctor: If sounds are accompanied by pain or loss of movement, it’s worth discussing with a specialist.
