• Pain of ArthritisImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Khashayar Elyassi
  
  

Remission

• RemissionImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of kenna takahashi
  
  Remission of symptoms is common with rheumatoid arthritis. During these periods pain may be at a minimum or may be completely gone.
  
  

Swelling

• Pain from SwellingImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Josh Pesavento
  
  Rheumatoid arthritis periodically causes swelling around the joints, which is painful. The excess fluid causing the swelling is produced by the soft tissues affected by arthritis that line and surround the joints.
  
  

Stiffening of Joints

• InactivityImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of foundphotoslj
  
  Joints stiffen up after a period of inactivity. Pain will be present once the person returns to activity. It is common for people to feel stiffness in their joints upon waking in the morning.
  
  

Pressure on Joints

• Activity causes pressure on joints.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Erik Charlton
  
  Activity can put pressure on a joint, leading to pain once the activity has stopped. This gives the impression that the pain is sporadic when in reality the cause is overactivity.
  
  

Range of Motion

• Over Stressing The HandImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of brandi sims
  
  It is common to be unaware of everyday motions of the hand that can cause pain, such as gripping and pinching. By knowing what range of motion places stress on any body part to the point of pain, you can learn to avoid this effect. Be mindful of what stress is occurring during even the slightest activity.
  
  

Prevention

• Limber UpImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of lululemon athletica
  
  Move each joint through its full pain-free range of motion at least once a day. This will help keep your joints from becoming stiff and and painful after activity.