Joint stiffness
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience a reduction in the range of motion in the affected articulations, usually those of the elbows, knees, and ankles, but it is also very noticeable in the fingers, hands, wrists, and feet. Joint stiffness is worse during the daytime, and especially after waking up. That is because there is a prolonged absence of movement during the night, and you need to move around the articulation once again to recover its proper lubrication.
You may also feel stiffness after standing up from watching a movie or staying immobile for a while. Morning stiffness is a key symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it is not an automatic diagnosis. If you experience this type of joint stiffness for 2 weeks or more, talk to your doctor and ask him about your symptoms.