My knee pain wakes me up at night. Should I worry?

Why waking pain matters

Pain that only appears with activity usually reflects load on the joint. Pain that wakes you from sleep suggests the knee is irritated enough to hurt at rest. That is still most often due to ordinary problems, but it changes the picture: surgeons ask about night pain because it helps judge how significant a problem is and whether imaging is needed.

Two patterns to notice

• Woken when you move or turn: pain triggered by a change of position, then settling once you are comfortable again; typical of a meniscus tear, arthritis or bursitis
• Woken by a deep, constant ache, whatever position you are in, that does not settle: less common, and more often linked to inflammation, a bone problem or, rarely, infection or a tumour

Keep a short diary for a week: what time you wake, what you were doing, how long the pain lasts and what eases it. It is very useful at a consultation.

Steps that may help you sleep

• Support the knee with pillows so it is not twisted or pressed against the other knee
• Avoid heavy exercise late in the evening for a while
• Try gentle knee movements or a warm shower before bed for stiffness
• Ask a pharmacist about pain relief timed for the night, especially if you take other medicines

If you depend on painkillers every night to sleep, the cause needs to be addressed.

When to be seen and how quickly

Book an appointment if knee pain has woken you on more nights than not for two or three weeks. Seek urgent care if the knee is hot, red and swollen, if you have a fever, or if night pain comes with weight loss, night sweats or a history of cancer.

At Aman Hospital in Doha, Dr. Gelber examines the knee, hip and back, and arranges X-rays or MRI when night pain is persistent, so the cause is found rather than guessed.