Stiffness : I was diagnosed with RA last year and I am... - NRAS

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Stiffness

Birman4 profile image
10 Replies

I was diagnosed with RA last year and I am on Methotrexate injections now but my annoying problem is that if I stop doing anything ( sit down) or stand up washing pots, I stiffen up and trying to move around for the next 20 minutes, feels like I have pulled every muscle. Is this normal for RA? Should I tell my consultant?

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Birman4 profile image
Birman4
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10 Replies
ketiv74 profile image
ketiv74

I would talk to the consultant. May be you need a change in dosage? or a different med?

DaisyDaz profile image
DaisyDaz

Hi Birdman4

I’m exactly the same, I try to do what I can when I’m up because when I do sit down I can’t get up again if I do manage to it’s agony. I feel like a rusty old car lol I’m only 50 I was told this was typical of RA and OA which I have both. I would mention it to him though

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

Well it happens to me too. I think it’s pretty typical. However since I started doing daily stretching it’s been much better.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply tohelixhelix

Quite agree HH .........as does is standing up straight as we were told as children . I know sort of tensing & hunching up and cuddling yourself does seem to be the automatic thing we do but gentle stretching, shoulders back & breathing well to oxygenate the blood really does help the stiffness pass off quicker.

Another thing my physio pointed out- was that as we walk upstairs we tend to lean forward whereas it really is much kinder on your joints to keep upright to balance your weight.

janmary profile image
janmary

Me too. Worse some times than others. Can be embarrassing! At it’s worst in the evening or after ‘exercise’ .

Tillie20 profile image
Tillie20

Hi I feel,the same I can do all my exercise with no problems but when I sit down and then get up I am very stiff I think it is just a symptom of RA but talk to your GP if it is worrying you x

Bookworm55 profile image
Bookworm55

Yes I get that too - thought that it was a classic symptom of RA. Stretching certainly seems to help. It seems that the more I’ve moved around and the longer I’ve moved for the stiffer I am after resting.

Leics profile image
Leics

I get it too I find that I can’t stand still in one place for very long and won’t sit for more than half an hour at any one time during the day or I suffer the consequences of stiffness and pain associated with it. So I have learned what is best for me to move around a little to keep me mobile no matter how much pain I’m in. Stretching gently definitely helps but sometimes can set off spasm if I try and over do it (particularly my ankles) which are a bit swollen atm with fluid. Find your balance and what works for you, mention it to rheumy but I think it happens to most with RA.

sunnyweek profile image
sunnyweek

Yes I'm always stiff after sitting even after half an hour. And also after standing, which I can manage for about half an hour, my knees become stiff. I do think it's very common with RA. Yes mention it at your appt it often helps to voice any concerns. I do stretches like other people here have said to help loosen my joints. RA eh who'd have it! x

Matilda_1922 profile image
Matilda_1922

I have this problem too I spoke to the consultant they said in so many words that I may continue to have this problem

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