Resolved question:
I had a clicking knee with stiffness 4 months ago. This continued to get worse but has eventually eased off. I started to diet 3-4 months ago and lost weight, however essentially every joint in my body hurts from my fingers, ankles, knees, shoulders, etc. It feels like glass shards and gets better with sleep but I am severe insomniac so it rarely gets better. I got blood tests that all came out normal and within range. The pain is getting worse and is almost unbearable. I urinate frequently but no UTI. Frequent headaches and difficulty to concentrate -- but I think it's insomnia related. I have Kaiser and the earliest appointment I can get is 3 weeks. Is this something I need to be more concerned about?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for asking your query at DoctorSpring.
It is not unusual to get clicking sound in the knee. Many a times it is nothing serious. But when there is swelling and stiffness it needs evaluation. The clicking noise is a symptom that can indicate minor trauma or an injury. But since now you have pain in other joints the knee pain could also be part of it. The fact that you rest improves the symptoms also suggests an inflammatory Polyarthralgia. Mostly it can be due to a viral infection. Rheumatologic disease like Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause this. I am not sure whether the blood tests have checked for this, but if not your Doctor will order for this next time. You might need an Xray knee also.
As you rightly said the headaches could be sleep related. Once the pains are relieved, the sleep should improve and hence the headaches. You may need medications to improve your sleep patterns.
You need not be overly concerns about the symptoms. Chances are that the pains will resolve by itself. And yes, you can wait for 3 weeks for the appointment. Meanwhile I recommend the following measures.
1. Absolute rest for 1 week or till the severe joint pain resolves. No exertion or physical activity. This will prevent any further joint damage.
2. I understand you are on a Diet, but for now stick to a nutritious diet. Take plenty of water.
3. You may take an OTC NSAID medication like Ibuprofen 400mg twice daily for the pain and inflammation.
4. In case of new symptoms such as fever, or sever pains please get medical help asap.
Hope this helps
Please feel free to ask followup questions
Thank you
I ended up going to an urgent care and told me that spasms happen and it might be arthritis. Yet all they did was give me pain killers (Tamarol and Vicodin) and Xanax. I'm getting off of Kaiser next month and onto a PPO.
Can you recommend what I should do I change insurance (which specialist to see, specific questions to ask)? All these pills do is make me feel ill and are making me noticeably incompetent at work -- and I'm still in pain.
Hello,
Tramadol and Vicodin are not the best pain killers. You will need an NSAID which will help in reducing the inflammation also. You may take Ibuprofen OTC Since you have possible arthritis, you will need further evaluation. A set of blood tests and Xray. This will help in determine the type of arthritis and a definitive decision can be made on treatment. I recommend a consultation with a Rheumatologist or an Internal Medicine Specialist. Sorry regarding insurance matters I will not able to offer much help. Thank you
I hope this helps.