I was diagnosed with RA in 2006,At 36 years of age. I experienced pain, stiffiness and swollen hands and feet for about a year before going to the doctor. My doctor precribied methotrexate and prenizone for flare up. which eventually reduced the inflammation stiffness and pain. During the regular doctor visits and taking medication I lost my medical insurance and could not afford to see the doc and pay for my medications etc.... Remarkably, the stiffness did not return after not being able to afford to treat it! I was in remissiom for 6 years except that Through out the 6 years I did explain random painful flare ups, that I could describe as frozen flares. I was not able to move certain joints, knee, finger, shoulders, random joint, and this would happen when I over used my body with lifting and ignoring the first signs of a upcoming flare up which for me were mild muscle pain. Once the flare up occurred, I could not move/ bend the joint. What I would do for the pain is completely immobilise the affected area straping it down completely. And apply hot and cold, it help alleviate my pain the pain some. If I tried to move it, the pain would be excruciating. This process last for about two days goes away slowly. Now, 6 years later I'm experiencing the sysmtom and lucky I have insurane and am seeing my pcp and he has prescribed Mex. And some sleep meds....I can never get a good night sleep......and being tired, OMG......I am alway tired..... Hopefully when I see my doctor again this week I will ask him for a treatment plan, cause he was obviously to busy to retun my call this weekend.........I want to take some thing for pain but I was told to wait to see what the doctor recommendations are.