Waking up in the middle of the night with nagging knee pain? You’re not alone. Knee pain that disrupts your sleep is more common than you think—and it’s not something you should ignore. As an orthopedic specialist, I often see patients who suffer silently, thinking it’s just a part of aging or a minor issue. But persistent nighttime knee pain can be a sign of underlying joint problems that need proper attention.

Why Does Knee Pain Worsen at Night?

Several reasons could be behind increased knee pain at night:

• Osteoarthritis: The cartilage in your knee wears down over time, causing pain, especially when you’re lying still for hours.
• Bursitis or Tendinitis: Inflammation of the knee’s soft tissues can flare up more during rest.
• Injuries: Old or untreated knee injuries may cause discomfort when the joint is not moving.
• Poor Sleeping Posture: The way you sleep can put pressure on the knees, worsening the pain.
• Reduced Distraction: At night, you’re more aware of your pain because there are fewer distractions compared to daytime.

How Nighttime Knee Pain Affects You

Lack of sleep due to knee pain can lead to:

• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Reduced pain tolerance
• Slower recovery from injury
• Increased stress and mood disturbances

Tips for Managing Knee Pain at Night

• Use a pillow: Place a pillow between or under your knees to reduce pressure.
• Apply a warm compress before bed to relax the muscles and improve circulation.
• Gentle stretching or physiotherapy exercises recommended by your doctor.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees.
• Over-the-counter pain relief or topical ointments (consult your doctor first).
• Orthopedic consultation to identify the root cause and plan treatment.

Don’t Let Knee Pain Steal Your Sleep

If knee pain is keeping you up at night, it’s time to take action. At our orthopedic clinic, we provide expert evaluation and customized treatment plans to help you sleep peacefully and stay active.

🩺 Consult Dr. Pramod Kumar, your trusted orthopedic specialist, for effective knee pain relief.