How common is joint pain in sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease can cause episodes of pain when affected red blood cells reduce blood flow in small vessels. Pain may be deep, aching or sharp and can involve the arms, legs, back, chest or joints. Episodes vary in intensity and duration. Joint pain may also have another cause, such as an injury or infection, so its presence does not identify the cause by itself.

Follow the individual pain plan provided by your sickle cell team. Drink fluids if you can, keep warm, rest, and use prescribed medicines exactly as directed. Do not wait for pain to become extreme before contacting your care team if your plan says to seek help early. Keep a record of triggers, locations, associated symptoms and how well treatment worked; this can help your clinician adjust future care.

Get urgent medical help for chest pain, difficulty breathing, new weakness, confusion, severe headache, fainting, a high temperature, or pain that is sudden, severe or not improving with your prescribed plan. A painful swollen joint, inability to move a limb, or unusual drowsiness also needs prompt assessment. People with sickle cell disease can become seriously unwell quickly, so follow your emergency instructions.

What is my personalised plan for joint pain? Which medicines should I take first, and when should I call? How can I tell a pain episode from infection or an injury? Should I keep any monitoring record?