Do you have discomfort first thing in the morning or does the discomfort settle in during the A.M. or P.M. hours? - Hopefully not both!

If you suffer from a stiff knee in the morning, you may have the onset of osteoarthritis, a condition that commonly affects the knees and causes the deterioration of the joint. Osteoarthritis is an incurable condition that can strike anyone at any age, although it is more common in older individuals.

There are other reasons why you may suffer from having a stiff knee as well. Ligament or meniscus injuries can create this kind of problem as well.

Here are some ideas that you should think about if you have a stiff knee problem:

1.) Talk to your doctor

2.) Maintain a healthy weight

3.) Stick with an anti-inflammation diet

4.) Remain active

5.) Take painkillers when needed

6.) Wear a knee brace

Osteoarthritis is not a life threatening condition, although it can be crippling. Unfortunate but true in many cases. Ligament injuries and meniscus tears can feel crippling at times too. - Maybe you can relate? If you experience a repeated stiff knee in the morning, you can stave off the effects and symptoms of this condition by taking the right steps.

Talk to your Doctor

Only your doctor can diagnose osteoarthritis or other knee ailments. You should not make the mistake of trying to diagnose these conditions on your own. Your doctor will most likely do a clinical examination, ask you some questions and ask you to do an x-ray or MRI. This is nothing to be alarmed about and can help give you a firm diagnosis.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you are overweight, you will want to trim down in order to keep the stress off your knees. Most people who experience a stiff knee in the morning do so because they have osteoarthritis, ligament or meniscus problems and are overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce knee pain and inflammation in an otherwise stiff knee.

Remain Active (Physician approved activities please!)

If the doctor has diagnosed arthritis or osteoarthritis of the knee, then it is important that you remain active. While you may be tempted to stay off the knee because of pain, this may not help the condition and can hasten joint deterioration. Swimming and walking are two good exercises that can help your knee. Using a knee support and having proper shoe wear is important as well. Knee supports can help provide you with meaningful support and can help to reduce your knee discomfort as well.

Take Painkillers, But Only When Needed

Painkillers can be addictive and cause a tolerance in the system. Moreover, pain killers can hurt your stomach. You should only take as much pain medication as directed by your doctor and only when you do have pain.

Wear a Knee Brace

A knee brace will support your knee by helping to maintain proper alignment. An affordable and low profile brace can help keep your knee from getting stiff and can help give you instant relief from the pain.

If you believe that you can benefit from pain reduction and increased stability due to the symptoms of osteoarthritis or other knee ailments then you should consider a knee support today. Many OA or "unloader" knee supports can be very effective for OA, and there are a myriad of different supports for meniscus and liagment issues as well.