How can I manage joint pain in my ankle and knee which causes me to wake from my sleep?

Thank you for your email. Joint pains in the ankles and knees are fairly common, but they shouldn’t usually cause someone to wake up from their sleep.

For really really painful joints (that medications prove ineffective for), it's important to exclude inflammatory causes of pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis and infective arthritis.

I would strongly suggest that you consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon, who would thoroughly examine the affected joints. Some blood and radiological investigations may also be done. Once the cause is found, appropriate treatment can be instituted to treat the problem.

Hope this helps

Dr Sean Ng

Thank you for your question - night pain is a really unpleasant experience, especially if it is disrupting your sleep.

As Dr Sean mentions, assessment is important, but there are a few things to consider:

1. How long has it been going on for?

2. It is worsening?

3. Are there any associated symptoms such as tingling, numbness, back pain, swelling or redness to the joint?

4. Was there a specific injury?

5. Have you had any "systemic symptoms" such as a weight loss, night sweats or change in appetite?

I would suggest seeing a GP as the first person to discuss your symptoms with. They might be able to treat this for your or alternatively they might direct, depending on their assessment, you to a:

1. Podiatrist

2. Physiotherapist

3. Sports/Musculoskeletal Physician

4. Rheumatologist

5. Orthopaedic surgeon

Often it is useful to visit a multi-disciplinary clinic such as as Integrated Sports Medicine, Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Centre as in this setting you will be assessed, investigated and treated appropriately. Since all five specialists are normally available in the same clinic or at least the same institution, it should limit your need to visit many different places. Depending on where you are based, you can often acquire a polyclinic/GP referral to one of these centres.

Hope things improve together with your sleep!

BW
Dr Dinesh

Thank you for your enquiry. The "usual" joint pain that is related to wear and tear or overuse will typically feel worse after exertion, and usually will not wake somebody from sleep. So I agree with Dr. Sean Ng that the pain may be related to inflammatory arthritis or even something sinister.

Please consult a doctor/Orthopaedic Surgeon, and we will do a thorough check including blood tests and possible MRI scans to clinch the diagnosis first. Only when the diagnosis is confirmed and appropriate treatment can be started.

Hope it clear some doubts for you.

Cheers!

Dr. Henry Chan