Yes - I've found them to help in the past too. Unfortunately I wasn't aware we had any until after yesterday's bath..
That sucks
Are you aware of any underlying issues that are causing this? I have low-ish level allergy problems with many different foods that appear to provoke a histamine response; one of the many symptoms being swollen / painful joints (it appears to manifest like arthritis which I believe is an inflammation issue). If you've not looked into diet it may be worth a shot!
I've not had a professional bike fit but it's as close as I can get it myself and doesn't usually give me any issues beyond some occasional knee pain because I think the saddle could do with being a bit further back on the CdF but it's at its limit.
I never stretch pre-ride but always warm up gently and probably manage a half-arsed stretch 50% of the time after a ride; especially if I feel particularly tight when getting back. Don't drink specific recovery drinks but generally remain fairly well hydrated.
Neither the distance nor pace were particularly out of the ordinary for me; although it was against a backdrop of not feeling too splendid / a bit achey (the trip was necessary and I otherwise probably wouldn't have gone out), and the last 13 miles were pretty high intensity. I've not felt this bad after rides of similar distance / exertion, and likewise felt OK the day afterwards.
I think it was just a combination of factors; the real killer being essentially 3-4hrs of squats and static crouching on top of the previous day's ride.
The good news is that things feel quite a bit better today; still a bit stiff but I can now walk OK without emitting all manner of pitiful noises and am back to casually going up two steps at a time on the stairs. Not sure if this is down to the uncharacteristically good 9.5hrs kip I got last night, the very slow 15 mile recovery ride I did earlier or a combination of the two... but I'm certainly not complaining