Morning stiffness is usually characterised by difficulty in moving the joints early in the morning or after waking up, and may be accompanied by localised joint swelling, pain, generalised fever and skin rash. However, it is important to note that morning stiffness is a very subjective symptom and should be distinguished from early morning abnormalities such as sprained joints. Morning stiffness can be caused by a variety of conditions, so it is important to seek medical attention when it occurs repeatedly.