Waking up with morning knee pain isn’t the best way to start your day. After all, you have places to go and things to do. If your knees are consistently sore or swollen in the morning, a knee pain doctor can help you regain your range of motion and help you keep doing the things you love. Learn more about the causes of morning knee pain, find out when you should see a knee specialist and discover how MAPS Centers for Pain Control can help you get lasting relief.
What Causes Knee Pain and Stiffness When You Wake Up?
One of the most common causes of morning knee pain is a lack of movement during the night. If you sleep soundly, you may stay in the same position for several hours at a time, causing synovial fluid to settle instead of circulating through your joints. Synovial fluid is a slippery substance that lubricates the joints and reduces friction. If this fluid doesn’t circulate for several hours, your knees may feel stiff or swollen when you wake up.
Osteoarthritis, a disease of the joints, can also cause morning knee pain. This condition breaks down the flexible tissue that protects your joints from excess shock. Arthritis also causes joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness and swelling. Risk factors for arthritis include obesity, weak muscles and joint overuse.
How Sleep Positions Can Contribute to Morning Knee Discomfort
How you sleep also plays a role in the development of morning knee pain. If you lie on your side with your knees bent toward your chest, the extra stress on your knees may lead to chronic discomfort. The same thing can happen if you lie on your back with your knees bent.
How to Manage Knee Stiffness and Improve Mobility in the Morning
If you consistently have morning knee pain, there are a few things you can do to relieve your symptoms. Start by doing light stretches before you get out of bed. Bending and pointing your feet gets blood flowing to your legs, which may help with morning stiffness. It’s also helpful to do knee-to-chest stretches. Here’s how to do this simple exercise:
- Lie on your back.
- Pull your left knee toward your chest.
- Hold the position for about 10 seconds.
- Repeat with your right knee.
Next, take your time getting out of bed. Instead of jumping up and rushing through your morning routine, sit up slowly, get your bearings and then carefully step out of bed. Do a few more stretches once you’re standing.
When it’s time to get dressed, reach for a pair of supportive shoes. Good arch support helps distribute your weight evenly, making it less likely that you’ll have foot, knee or ankle pain. If you wear supportive footwear during the day, you may be able to prevent your knees from stiffening up while you sleep.
If necessary, adjust your sleep position. You may benefit from placing a pillow between your knees (for side sleepers) or sleeping on your back with your legs straight out in front of you. Above all, exercise regularly and stay hydrated. Regular physical activity strengthens the tissues surrounding your knee joints, reducing the risk of morning knee pain. Drinking plenty of water also helps your joints stay flexible.
When Should You See a Knee Specialist for Morning Knee Pain?
You should see a knee doctor under the following circumstances:
- Your morning knee pain is interfering with your ability to work or take part in your normal activities.
- Your pain hasn’t improved with the use of over-the-counter pain medications, heat therapy or ice packs.
- Your knee pain persists despite reducing your activity.
- You have sudden, severe pain accompanied by a popping sound.
Morning Knee Pain Relief: The MAPS Approach to Pain Management
At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we have a team of double board-certified doctors with extensive experience diagnosing and treating knee problems. During your initial consultation, we’ll ask questions about your medical history and take time to learn about your symptoms. A thorough assessment helps us understand your pain and its impact on your life.
Our 5-week program for knee pain relief is customized according to your unique needs, so it may include genicular nerve ablation, injection-based therapy, physical therapy, cryoneurolysis and/or braces/supports. Genicular nerve ablation uses radiofrequency energy to prevent the nerves around your knee from sending pain signals to your brain.
Cryoneurolysis uses bursts of extreme cold to freeze the nerves, which prevents pain and increases the stability of the knee. Injection-based therapies include steroid-based injections for quick pain relief and hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint and promote cell regeneration.
Are you ready to be free of morning knee pain? Contact MAPS Centers for Pain Control to schedule a consultation.