Inflammation in the Knees | Arthritis Information

I am currently taking 1 mg methylprednisone and 200 mg plaquenil daily. I also take 12.5 methotextrate on saturdays.

I only take my meds at night around 8:30 pm. I am usually good throughout the day, but by 5:30 pm I start feeling my knees swell up. I am guessing it's my meds wearing off.

So my question is, should I increase my meds? It's only at night that I feel the brunt of my RA. In the day, I feel good enough. I don't want to cause myself to get used to more medicine to the point that my body expects it and then I get hooked on having to take more meds.

Also, is it ok to just allow my body to have inflammation. It's only for about 3 hours every night. I can walk on my knees ok. It just hurts like hell. I guess my question is ... am I damaging my knee joints by walking through the pain?

Hi Cindy, you need to be seen by your RD. They may change your medications. Your knee problems could be one of several and none of them RA. No one can tell you how to take your meds but your doctor. I don't think you'll damage your knee joints by walking but you may cause more pain and damage if you don't see the doctor and have the swollen knee diagnosed. Good luck and keep us posted. LindyI agree with Lin. Definitely see your doc. Last year I had knee swelling that was so bad it had to be drained. Please don't let yourself get to that point!! Although the draining helps, it hurts like a sonofa-b while they're doing it. I lost my job and can't afford to see a doctor. So I am here looking for advice from my fellow RA sufferers. = (

I guess I was looking for a response factoring out the "you should go see a doctor" part and more help with how to deal with the 3 hours of inflammation at night and if walking through the pain is damaging my joints.

Thanks so much for any advice.

Could you try taking the pred in the morning instead of at night? Maybe taking the pred in the AM and the plaq in the PM will help. I split my meds up this way, but I'm not taking pred. I do it this way to save my poor innards (stomach). It's worth a shot trying, right? :)

You'll have to check with a doc/pharmacist to make sure it's ok to add to your regimen first, but you may benefit from an NSAID. Taking an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen in the early afternoon may help prevent or lessen your swelling in the evening.

As far as damaging your joints walking through the pain, these are my thoughts:

pain -> inflammation -> active disease -> potential damage

I'm so sorry to hear you've lost your job. Does your area provide free or low-cost clinics? I'll provide you with any info I can based on my personal experiences, but I'm not a doc, ya know?

I agree w/ Lindy..

Sorry you've lost your job... It's a difficult time for so many....

But in order to keep up your medications,you will need to see a doctor... Sooner would be best rather than later but in your circumstance... I hope it's sooner.

When you see your doctor.... he may want to increase your MTX not your Pred.. Pred helps w/ inflammation but not for duration.. It's more an instantaneous "fix" whereas the MTX can suppress the disease alone or with another med, hopefully, into remission.

I'd start taking the meds in the morning and see how that works. You don't want to increase or decrease your meds without talking with a doctor. I know you said that you're not working; maybe call your doctor and discuss the knee problems with him/her and you might be able to get by without an appt. I'm sure though they'll want to see you because it could be something other than RA or it could be a Baker's Cyst caused by RA. You can try using the heat patches on your knees. They've helped me in the past. LindyExcellent words of wisdom so far.

I'm certainly not an MD but I would tend to disregard Baker's Cyst because the swelling in both knees. The odds of getting a Baker's Cyst in both knees simultaneously would be remote.

Don't increase the MTX without consulting your physician.

Here's what I would do, given the circumstances:

1. Do as MEL_CO and LinB suggested and take the meds in the morning instead - unless there is some reason why you cannot.

2. With any swelling, elevate, elevate, elevate 12" higher than the heart, several times throughout the day, maybe 30 minutes each time. Throw a couple ice packs on the knees while you're doing this.

I'm sorry about the job loss. I've been there and it was really hard. But I would definitely look into the free clinics because sooner or later you're going to run out of the meds......

Also, explain to your doctor's office that you're unemployed and ask if he would consider treating you for free until such time as you're back to work and can pay him back. You never know - there just might be a couple good guys out there. I'm sure you won't be the first person to approach the doctor, especially if he is supervising interns who are looking for the experience.

Last but not least: check the internet for new clinical trials in your area. It's one way to get free treatment [or not].

Sam12342009-12-17 17:14:51Thank you all so much for the wonderful advice !!! I am so lucky to have your input. Thanks again!
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