Knee pain at night

That’s good to hear.

Though I need both knees replaced, I am resisting the surgery for now. However, last year I got my medical marijuana card and take a 5 mg, gummy most nights and it certainly helps with my sleeping which has never been particularly good. There are also topical MJ lotions/creams available. I try and keep my OTC meds at a minimum, though definitely need them to reduce daily pain.

Update. I had a cortisone shot on 10/30. I’ve had a few sleepless nights since then but none in the past two weeks or so. Could be that, mild exercise (swimming, walking, gardening)m natural healing processes…whatever it is, I’ll take it!

Best wishes to all.

I’m bone on bone but can do most everything. Golf, walk, elliptical but at night the sharp pain in my knee keeps me awake. I just started so maybe it will go away. I’ve been avoiding TKR because I’m terrified but not sure how many nights I can get thru this pain. Is this a symptom of needing a new knee? Did anyone else have this pain?

I would suggest to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to clear this up. If you can still do so many things and the pain is only at night, there are other options what could cause this pain.
It can also be a Nerv pain ( late symptom after shingles) just one idea and there are many other options…
Neurologist appointment would be my second idea..
Good luck for you
Ps. my TKR was December 1. and I had pain day and night, doing well now.

Hi, had my first TKR 7 years ago. Waited way too long to get it. So years of shots before doing surgery. Don't wait too long, what someone has lost as far as movement before surgery, they say you can't gain that back. I am 69 and will be 70 in July and I love to hike so I have adjusted that body form to adapt to what I need. In saying that, that can hurt other areas of your body. I openly chose 1-8-2024 to have my second one done. I could've waited 1-2 years but it was going to have to be done at some point in my life if I didn't die first. Yes, I am almost a week in however the pain is managed by 2 regular strength TYLENOL every 6 hours and 1 pain pill at night if needed. To be honest the pain pill is less than the others. I am a prime example that there is a fine balance on how long you wait for this surgery. It isn't pleasant but I am still really healthy and bone on bone doesn't change it only progresses to a deforming state. Good luck!

Don't know where you live, but in FL medical cannabis is legal and I take a 5 mg. Gummy about 2 hours before bed and it does help with pain and sleep. I have both knees bone on bone but am currently doing PT and acupuncture staving off TKR. Still avoiding surgery after 10 years. Waiting for a better option! Good luck.

Janali - so sorry that you’re having this difficulty. I started a topic like this one a month ago. It was driving me nuts, still does some nights. If I can’t sleep, I take two ibuprofen and two Tylenol at the same time. That helps - a bit. I’ve also tried otc lidocaine patches, which helped a little. Yesterday, on the advice of a men’s group to which I belong, I got diclofenac sodium gel, also otc, and started using it but I’m told it can take 4 days to be effective. No data yet.

Somehow, using these things, in able to keep the worst at bay. A goodnight for me is waking only once or twice, rolling over to a more comfortable position, and quickly falling back asleep.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Hello @janali, I moved your discussions and combined it with an existing discussion titled, "Knee pain at night," - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/knee-pain-ay-night/.

I had severe arthritis in my own knee from years and years of being bone on bone. I finally pulled the trigger on getting my knee replaced because the pains at night were becoming too difficult, not to mention the stiffness in the morning that would require me to manually pop my knee loose with my arms. Overuse during the day would always lead to pain at night.

@janali, I was told at that point I could do the knee whenever the pain became too unbearable. Is this what you were told as well? What is your biggest concern about getting your knee replaced?

I had the torn meniscus surgery in 2018 and I did great. Before that, I was just like you. I couldn't sleep. My knee would wake me up at night with pain. Have you tried one of those knee pillows that you put between your knees at night? It takes the pressure off the affected knee. You can get them on Amazon. Also, I did Voltaren Gel (over the counter) and it took the edge off. I have arthritis now in both knees and get regular knee aspirations & cortisone injections. The best thing was the Hylauronic Acid injections.....they are expensive, but, they lubricate the joint and tissue and helpe with knee pain tremendously. Praying for you relief. Knee issues are painful.