If morning stiffness lasts for a few minutes at a time, it is not usually caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Morning stiffness caused by rheumatoid rheumatism usually lasts for more than an hour. If the morning stiffness lasts only a few minutes, or at most half an hour, it may be caused by osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or other factors. It is advisable to be admitted to hospital for examination to identify the cause for subsequent systematic treatment.