Sudden Knee Pain and Joint Discomfort: Seeking Solutions for Relief

Sudden pain in the left knee while sleeping, along with pain in the finger joints?

I suddenly woke up one night with pain in my left knee and was unable to put weight on it when getting out of bed.
I went to the orthopedic department at Asia University Hospital, where they took X-rays and mentioned inflammation, fluid accumulation, and degeneration in the bone.
They prescribed muscle relaxants and pain relievers, but after a week there was no improvement.
During a follow-up visit, they added medication for gout, but after another week, there was still no improvement.
I stopped going for treatment until recently, when I started experiencing unexplained pain in both of my hands.
The pain is so severe that it's difficult for me to lift things; I can't even twist open a plastic bottle.
The doctor at Asia University Hospital suggested a referral to rheumatology, but I did not continue with the follow-up, and the pain persists to this day without any improvement.

Wanzi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/14

Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics

Hello, if you suddenly experience pain in your left knee and both hands, it is important to consider whether you have sustained an injury or if your workload has been excessive.
If this occurs occasionally and improves with rest or pain relief medication, you should take care to protect your joints and avoid overexertion.
However, if the pain occurs frequently and without a clear cause, it may be advisable to consult a rheumatologist to check for any underlying autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/04/14

More Info

I'm sorry to hear about the pain and discomfort you're experiencing in your left knee and hands. It sounds like you've been through a challenging time with your symptoms, and it's understandable that you're seeking effective solutions for relief.

From your description, it appears that you may be dealing with a combination of issues, including knee inflammation, possible joint effusion (fluid accumulation), and now pain in your hands. The fact that your knee pain started suddenly while you were sleeping suggests that it could be related to an underlying condition, such as arthritis or tendinitis. The initial treatment with muscle relaxants and pain medications is a common approach, but if you're not seeing improvement, it may be time to explore further options.

Given that your knee has been diagnosed with inflammation and degeneration, it's important to consider both conservative and more active treatment strategies. Here are some recommendations based on medical knowledge and practices:
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be highly beneficial for knee pain. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program that focuses on strengthening the muscles around your knee, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall joint stability. This can help alleviate pain and prevent further deterioration.

2. Activity Modification: It's crucial to modify your activities to avoid exacerbating your knee pain. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, can help maintain your fitness without putting excessive strain on your joints. Avoid high-impact activities that may worsen your condition.

3. Weight Management: If applicable, maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the stress on your knees. Even a small amount of weight loss can lead to noticeable improvements in joint pain.

4. Medication Review: Since you mentioned that the initial medications did not provide relief, it may be worth discussing with your doctor the possibility of trying different medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections may be options to consider for managing inflammation and pain.

5. Joint Supplements: Some patients find relief from joint pain by taking supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. While research on their effectiveness is mixed, they may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

6. Further Evaluation: Since you also mentioned experiencing pain in your hands, it may be wise to follow up with a rheumatologist, as they specialize in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that could affect multiple joints. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritides could explain your symptoms and require specific treatment.

7. Pain Management Techniques: In addition to medical treatments, consider incorporating pain management techniques such as heat or cold therapy, acupuncture, or mindfulness practices to help manage your discomfort.

8. Regular Follow-Up: It's essential to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare providers to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed. If you feel that your current treatment is not effective, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion or ask for a referral to a specialist.

In conclusion, while it can be frustrating to deal with persistent pain, there are multiple avenues to explore for relief. A comprehensive approach that includes physical therapy, medication adjustments, and possibly further evaluation by a specialist can help you regain function and improve your quality of life. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek the care you need.

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