Joint pain at night waking me up

Hi everyone,

I have been experiencing quite bad joint pain at night, to the point where it is waking me up and making it very hard to sleep. I've noticed that this pain tends to migrate. One night it might be really bad in my left hip and left knee, the next night it might be be right knee, next night one of my shoulders, etc. I am a side sleeper. Is pain like this normal or is it something I should note for my doctor? Thanks

[Debbie_kinsey Administrator LUPUS UK]

Hi BrooklyneDeanne

Sorry to read you’re still having trouble sleeping due to pain. Sometimes pain can feel like it migrates, depending on the cause. It might be worth noting it down for your discussion with your doctor as how pain presents can sometimes be helpful in making a diagnosis.

I don’t think I linked our “getting the most out of your medical appointments” blog in response to your other post. This could be useful to read through to help you prepare for an appointment and work out what you want to say and how: lupusuk.org.uk/getting-the-...

Hope it eases for you soon & you’re able to get some sleep. As a fellow side sleeper with joint pain, I have also experienced the tossing and turning of waking up having to switch sides a lot!

Take care

Debbie

[Turquoise-1]

Hi BrooklyneDeanne, your problem sounds very familiar to me so you have my empathy.

I take various prescribed meds including Diazepam which really does help & have had many MRIs, tests etc to ascertain the problems.

I use one of those small triangular pillows between my knees which has made a big difference to my comfort & I sleep on only one pillow which, (at the advice of Physiotherapist), I tuck right up against my neck so there’s no gap and ensures good neck support.

Have a chat with your Surgery because a lot of GP practices now have SPPs, (Specialist Physiotherapist Practitioners) or APPs (Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioners) which are extremely knowledgeable & helpful. Either way, maybe you’d benefit from a check up.

Best wishes to you 🙂