Joints hurt at night: the causes and methods of facilitating

Joints hurt at night: the causes and methods of facilitating

I. Introduction to night pain in the joints

Night pain in the joints is a common problem that significantly affects the quality of sleep and overall well -being. Unlike pains that occur during physical activity, night pains appear or intensify at rest, often violating sleep and causing morning stiffness. Understanding the causes of these pains and accessible methods of relief is crucial for improving the quality of life of those who suffer from this condition.

II. Anatomy and joint physiology

To understand the causes of night pain in the joints, it is important to have a basic idea of ​​the anatomy and physiology of the joints. The joint is a connection place of two or more bones. The main components of the joint include:

• Cartilage: Smooth fabric covering the ends of the bones provides slipping and cushioning.
• Synovial fluid: A viscous fluid, lubricating the joint and feeding cartilage.
• Synovial shell: A membrane lining a joint capsule and producing a synovial fluid.
• Blues: Durable connective tissues connecting the bones and stabilizing the joint.
• Tendons: Connect muscles to bones, providing movement.

The health of the joint depends on the normal functioning of all these components. Violations in any of them can lead to pain and other problems.

III. The causes of night pain in the joints

Night pain in joints can be caused by many factors, from inflammatory diseases to degenerative changes. Below are the most common reasons:

A. Inflammatory diseases:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): OA is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by progressive destruction of cartilage. Night pain in the OA can be associated with a prolonged finding in one position, a decrease in blood circulation at night and an increased level of inflammatory cytokines. Symptoms of OA usually include:

   • Pain intensifying after activity and decreasing at rest (at the beginning of the disease).
   • The stiffness of the joints in the morning, usually less than 30 minutes.
   • Limitation of mobility.
   • Creeding (crunch) in the joint.
   • The formation of bone spurs (osteophytes).
   • The joints of the knees, hips, hands and spine are more often affected.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues of the body, including joints. Inflammation in RA can be more pronounced at night due to circadian rhythms and hormonal changes. Symptoms of RA include:

   • Symmetric damage to the joints (for example, both hands).
   • Morning stiffness, lasting for more than 30 minutes (often several hours).
   • Swelling and soreness of the joints.
   • Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite.
   • The defeat of other organs, such as lungs, heart and eyes, is possible.

3. Gout: Gout is an arthritis form caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. Night attacks gouts are often associated with dehydration and changes in body temperature. Symptoms gout include:

   • Sudden, intense pain in the joint (most often in the thumb of the leg).
   • Edema, redness and soreness of the joint.
   • Limitation of mobility.
   • Attacks can last several days or weeks.

4. Psoriatic arthritis (PSA): PSA is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis (skin disease). Inflammation with a dog can lead to night pain and stiffness. PSA symptoms include:

   • Joint pain, often asymmetric.
   • The stiffness of the joints in the morning.
   • Swelling of the fingers and legs (dactitis).
   • Changes in nails (for example, point recesses, detachment).
   • Psoriatic rashes on the skin.

5. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): AS is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine and sacral and illegal joints. Night back pain and stiffness are characteristic symptoms. Symptoms of the AC include:

   • Pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks.
   • Morning stiffness, which decreases after movement.
   • The pain that improves after physical exercises and worsens alone.
   • Limiting the mobility of the spine.
   • It is possible to defeat other joints and organs (for example, the eyes).

B. Degenerative changes:

1. Exporting Horseback: With age, the cartilage in the joints can become thinner and collapse, which leads to pain and stiffness, especially at night, when the joint is at rest.

2. Osteophytes: The formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) can irritate the surrounding tissues and nerves, causing pain.

3. Degenerative changes in the spine: Degeneration of the intervertebral discs can lead to compression of nerve roots and pain, which intensifies at night.

C. injuries:

1. Stretches and dislocations: Recent or old joint injuries can cause night pain due to inflammation and damage to tissues.

2. Fractures: Incorrectly fused fractures or the presence of bone fragments can lead to chronic pain.

D. Other factors:

1. Bursit: Inflammation of the synovial bag (brush), which softens friction between bones, tendons and muscles, can cause night pain.

2. Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons can lead to pain, especially when moving or in a rest position.

3. Channel channel syndrome: The compression of the median nerve in the carpal canal can cause night pain and numbness in the hand and fingers.

4. Fibromyalgia: A chronic disease characterized by common pain, fatigue and sleep disorders. Night pain in joints and muscles are a common symptom.

5. Inflammatory diseases of the intestine (BCC): Some ISCs, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can be associated with arthritis and joint pain.

6. Infections: Joint infections (septic arthritis) can cause severe pain and inflammation.

7. Tumors: Rarely, tumors of bones or soft tissues can cause night pain.

8. Medications: Some drugs, such as statins, can cause pain in muscles and joints.

9. Vitamin D deficiency: The disadvantage of vitamin D can aggravate joint pain and muscles.

10. Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can help enhance joint pain.

11. Overweight: An additional load on the joints can increase pain, especially in knees and hips.

12. Position during sleep: An inconvenient position during sleep can exert pressure on the joints and cause pain.

IV. Diagnostics

To determine the cause of night pain in the joints, a thorough diagnosis is necessary, which includes:

1. A history of history: The doctor will ask about the nature of the pain (acute, dull, pulsating), its localization, time of occurrence, factors that enhance or relieve pain, as well as the presence of other symptoms.

2. Physical examination: The doctor will examine the joints for swelling, redness, soreness and limiting mobility.

3. Laboratory research:

   • General blood test (UAC): It can identify signs of inflammation or infection.
   • Erythrocyte settlement rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRB): Markers of inflammation.
   • The rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies to the cyclic citrollinized peptide (ACCP): Used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
   • Urine acid analysis: Used to diagnose gout.
   • Antinuclear antibodies (ANA): Used to diagnose autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
   • Analysis of synovial fluid: It can be used to detect infection, crystals or inflammatory cells.

4. Instrumental research methods:

   • Radiography: It can identify signs of osteoarthritis, such as narrowing of the joint gap, osteophytes and bone sclerosis.
   • Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): A more sensitive method that can detect damage to cartilage, ligaments and soft tissues.
   • Computed tomography (CT): It can be used to assess bone structures.
   • Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): It can identify inflammation in the joints and tendons.
   • Dencitometry: It is used to assess the density of bone tissue and detect osteoporosis.

V. Ways to relieve night pain in joints

There are many ways to relieve night pain in joints, from home remedies to drug treatment and surgical interventions. The choice of treatment method depends on the cause of pain, its intensity and the general state of health of the patient.

A. Home remedies and changing lifestyle:

1. Heat and cold:

   • Warm: Warm compresses, heating pads or warm baths can help relax muscles and reduce pain. Heat is especially useful for osteoarthritis and stiffness.
   • Cold: Ice compresses or ice packs can help reduce inflammation and edema. Cold is especially useful for acute injuries and gout.
   • The alternation of heat and cold can also be effective.

2. Exercise: Regular physical exercises help strengthen the muscles surrounding joints, improve blood circulation and reduce pain. It is important to choose exercises with a low load on the joints, such as walking, swimming, cycling and yoga. The physiotherapist can develop an individual exercise program.

3. Weight loss: Reducing overweight can significantly reduce the load on the joints, especially on the knees and hips.

4. Balanced nutrition: Healthy nutrition, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat proteins, can help reduce inflammation and maintain joint health.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish, linen seed and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Curcumin: Kurkumin contained in turmeric also has anti -inflammatory properties.

7. Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular additives that are believed to help restore cartilage and reduce pain in osteoarthritis. However, evidence of their effectiveness is contradictory.

8. Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve joint function.

9. Massage: Massage can help relax muscles, improve blood circulation and reduce pain.

10. Ergonomics: The organization of the workplace and the implementation of everyday tasks with proper posture and the use of the right techniques can help prevent joint overstractions.

11. Selection of mattress and pillows: The use of an orthopedic mattress and pillows can help maintain the correct position of the body during sleep and reduce the pressure on the joints.

12. Position during sleep: Avoid sleeping in poses that put pressure on sore joints. Use joints to support the joints.

13. Relaxation: Stress can aggravate pain. Relaxation methods, such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing, can help reduce stress and improve sleep.

14. Limiting alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking can aggravate inflammation and worsen the health of the joints.

15. Consumption of a sufficient amount of liquid: Maintaining hydration is important for joint health.

B. Drug treatment:

1. Anesthetic drugs:

   • Paracetamol (acetaminophen): It can help reduce pain, but does not have an anti -inflammatory effect.
   • Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, steady, diclofenac and other NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, prolonged use of NSAIDs can increase the risk of side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems and cardiovascular diseases.
   • Tramadol: Opioid analgesic, which can be used to treat severe pain.
   • Opioid analgesics: Stronger painkillers that can be used to treat very severe pain, but they are associated with the risk of dependence and side effects.

2. Local drugs:

   • Creams and gels with NSAIDs: It can be effective for treating pain in small joints, such as joints of brushes and knees.
   • Capsaicin cream: Contains capsaicin, a substance contained in chili pepper, which can help reduce pain.

3. Corticosteroids:

   • Oral corticosteroids (for example, prednisone): It can be effective for reducing inflammation, but they are associated with the risk of developing side effects, such as weight gain, increasing blood sugar and osteoporosis.
   • Injections of corticosteroids: Can be introduced directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and pain.

4. Disease-modifying anti-rhevenstat preparations (BMPP):

   • Metotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychlorokhin and leflunomide: Used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. They help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce inflammation.

5. Biological drugs:

   • Inhibitors of the factor of tumor necrosis (FNO): Ethanepert, Infliximab, Adalimumab, Cerentolyzumab Pegol and Golimumab.
   • Interleukina-6 inhibitors (IL-6): Tocilizumab and sarilumab.
   • Interleukina-17 inhibitors (IL-17): Sekukinumab and iksekizumab.
   • Inhibitors of costimulations of T cells: Abdajatze.
   • V-cell inhibitors: Rituximab.
   • Biological preparations are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. They block certain substances in the immune system that cause inflammation.

6. Medicines for the treatment of gout:

   • Allopurinol and FIBUBUCTATA: Reduce uric acid level in the blood.
   • Colscin: It can be used to treat acute bouts gout.
   • Probenecide: Increases the excretion of uric acid from the body.

C. Surgical treatment:

Surgical treatment can be considered in cases where conservative treatment methods are ineffective and the pain significantly limits the quality of the patient.

1. Arthroscopy: The minimum invasive procedure in which the surgeon introduces a thin camera and surgical instruments into the joint to remove damaged cartilage or bone spurs, restore ligaments or perform other procedures.

2. System replacement (arthroplasty): The surgical procedure in which the damaged joint is replaced by an artificial joint (prosthesis). The joint is often performed with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip joint.

3. Osteotomy: The surgical procedure in which the bone is cut and rearranged to change the load on the joint.

4. Spondylodez: The surgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae are connected together to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.

VI. Prevention

Although it is not always possible to prevent night pain in the joints, there are measures that can help reduce the risk of their development or reduce their intensity:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight: Reducing overweight can reduce the load on the joints.

2. Regular physical exercises: Exercises strengthen the muscles, support joints and improve blood circulation.

3. Correct posture: Maintaining proper posture during sitting, standing and walking can reduce the load on the joints.

4. Prevention of injuries: The use of protective equipment in sports and compliance with safety rules at work can help prevent joint injuries.

5. Balanced nutrition: The use of a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D and calcium, is important for the health of bones and joints.

6. Refusal of smoking: Smoking can worsen the health of the joints.

7. Alcohol use restriction: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of gout.

8. Regular medical examinations: Early detection and treatment of joint diseases can help prevent their progression and reduce pain.

9. Understanding a genetic predisposition: If the family has cases of arthritis or other joint diseases, it is important to be more attentive to your health and see a doctor when the first symptoms appear.

VII. Psychological aspects

Chronic joint pain can have a significant impact on human mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, insomnia and a decrease in the quality of life. It is important to consider the psychological aspects of pain and seek help from specialists, such as psychotherapists or psychologists.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): KPT can help patients cope with pain, change negative thoughts and behavior, improve mood and sleep.

• Stress management: Stress management methods, such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing, can help reduce pain and improve mental health.

• Support groups: Participation in support groups can help patients feel less alone and receive support from other people living with chronic pain.

VIII. Alternative treatment methods

Some people find relief from night pain in the joints using alternative treatment methods, such as:

• Traditional Chinese medicine (TKM): TCM includes methods such as acupuncture, phytotherapy and qigong, which can help restore energy balance in the body and reduce pain.

• Ayurveda: Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that uses herbs, diet and lifestyle to maintain health and treat diseases.

• Homeopathy: Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate natural healing processes in the body.

It is important to discuss any alternative methods of treating a doctor in order to verify their safety and effectiveness.

IX. The role of circadian rhythms and hormones

Circat rhythms are internal biological watches that regulate many processes in the body, including sleep, wakefulness, hormonal background and immune system. Hormonal changes occurring during the night can affect inflammation and joint pain.

• Cortisol: The level of cortisol, stress hormone usually decreases at night. A decrease in the level of cortisol can lead to an increase in inflammation and pain.

• Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the dream. Melatonin also has anti -inflammatory properties.

• Cytokines: Some cytokines, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), the level of which can increase at night, can contribute to inflammation and pain.

Understanding the role of circadian rhythms and hormones in the development of night pain in joints can help develop more effective strategies for treatment and prevention. For example, maintaining a regular sleep and wakeful regime, as well as stress control can help regulate the hormonal background and reduce pain.

X. Special populations

Night pain in joints can be manifested in different ways in different groups of the population.

• Elderly people: In older people, osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases are more common, which can lead to night pain.

• Children: In children, night pain in joints can be associated with growth pain, juvenile idiopathic arthritis or other diseases.

• Pregnant women: In pregnant women, night pain in joints can be associated with hormonal changes, weight gain and joint pressure.

It is important to take into account the features of each group of population in the diagnosis and treatment of night pain in the joints.

XI. Conclusion

Night pain in joints can significantly affect the quality of sleep and overall well -being. Understanding the causes of these pains and accessible methods of relief is crucial for improving the quality of life of those who suffer from this condition. It is important to consult a doctor to diagnose and develop an individual treatment plan. Home remedies, a change in lifestyle, drug treatment, surgical intervention and alternative treatment methods can help reduce pain and improve joint function.