What’s this pain?

Paisley

I’ve had pain in my knee since before Christmas. I’ve recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis following an x-ray.

I’ve been trying to find out the cause of a sharp pain I get which is very different from the pain I get first thing in the morning and throughout the day.

I usually get it 1 - 5 times a day. It’s feels like a ‘ping’, I don’t think it’s a click but it could be. It makes my leg jolt. The initial pain only lasts a split second but it takes me a couple of minutes to recover then I can usually walk it off.

This has only started in the past week since taking the Naproxen so wondered if it had something to do with the swelling going down.

The pain also tends to happen when I’m standing still after a short walk.

It’s a bit embarrassing as it just seems to come from nowhere and does make me shout out in pain.

Hoping if I can find out what’s causing it I can find a way to manage it.

Thanks

Lilymary

I had severe OA in my left hip, and was on cocodamol and naproxen before I had hip replacement last year. But I had similar random sharp pains in my affected leg like you describe, sometimes they came from nowhere when I was sitting perfectly still, or in bed. And yes, they did make me yelp sometimes. Quite often they were in my knee or shin, despite the damage being in my hip. I didn’t find it was related to medication though. In your case its timing after a walk may suggest a trapped nerve or a bit of inflammation caused by the walk pressing on a nerve.

I had a number of coping strategies, the most useful one being not to panic, try to relax and “breathe” through the pain. (This didn’t work so well for persistent pains, but was good for the sudden gremlins.) Another was to ignore it and wait for it to pass - it’s just a random nerve firing off and nothing to worry about. The other was simply to swear at it. Use vocabulary of your own choosing, and obviously judge where you are at the time 😅but I did read somewhere that a study had found that for some psychological reason (which I forget) this could help. Certainly made me feel better from time to time!

But don’t give up your walking to avoid it, it’s important to keep moving and build muscle mass to support the joint. We just have to find the right balance against causing too much inflammation, and only you know where that balance lies for you.

Paisley

Thank you for your insight and advice. It makes sense it’s a nerve. I work in a nursery so unfortunately I’m restricted in my choice of vocabulary but I shall make full use of it when I’m at home 🤣.

stickywicket

As something of an expert on choice vocabulary😉 may I suggest that, in an emergency situation such as the presence of innocent ears, many phrases can be satisfying and useful if the correct intonation is applied. Many years ago, when I was at school, a fellow pupils was often heard to furiously decry 'oh string vests'.

Paisley

Wonderful advice, thank you 🤣

It will also come in handy when trying to get up off the tiny 🤬 chairs!

stickywicket

Ah, on a more serious note, I remember those tiny school chairs days from my sons' childhoods and I think it'd be best to avoid them if at all possible. They'll put a big strain on your joints when getting up. Could you use a higher one?

Paisley

No unfortunately I work with 2 year olds so I’m either sitting on the floor or little chairs. Its unavoidable and probably part to blame for the condition my knee is in. I’m trying to not pick up the children so much which is easier said than done.

Moira

I can sympathise with you. As a teacher - now retired, I had the same problem. I used the table/desk to help me get up. And I made a joke about it with the children - we had fun. As my arthritic situation got worse I did get a bigger chair, insisted upon by my Head. You should have a Health & Safety assessment and legally your employment should provide you with an alternative to the small chairs, floor.

Sometimes stabbing pain can be caused by fragments of bone that get loose - so my very Scottish specialist told me.

I now have to use a shower as I can't get in and out of a bath. If I land on the floor I can't get up unless I have something to pull on. Causes much hilarity in our house! Well you have to cope with it somehow and laughing and joking, for me, works.

Good luck - but get a H&S assessment done for your work. It's a legal necessity.

phillips_leonard

You don't say at what stage in life you are, but I think the "Clicking " you describe could be the first signs of Arthritis and the sooner you see a medic and start some kind of treatment the better in later life. At first it would be some kind of Physio which can be quite enjoyable and is available on the NHS, particularly if taken in a gym where all there are in the same boat. First step SEE YOUR GP.

Brynmor

Hi @phillips_leonard welcome to the Online Community.

Do let us know how arthritis affects you and if you are having a course of medication to manage the symptoms. You will be welcome to join in across the Community and know that you are not alone in facing any problems that may arise.

I look forward to reading more of your posts.

Paisley

I’m still in my 30’s just! Big birthday in a couple of months.

Osteoarthritis has been confirmed by GP and x-ray in my right knee but assume it’s both but my right is worse.

It’s much better today, the nice weather seems to help. I’ve got a few sessions in the office so I can sit in a big chair!