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?
Stiffness : I was diagnosed with RA last year and I am... - NRAS
Stiffness
I would talk to the consultant. May be you need a change in dosage? or a different med?
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
Well it happens to me too. I think it’s pretty typical. However since I started doing daily stretching it’s been much better.
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.
Me too. Worse some times than others. Can be embarrassing! At it’s worst in the evening or after ‘exercise’ .
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
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.
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.
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
I have this problem too I spoke to the consultant they said in so many words that I may continue to have this problem