Excruciating knee pain in mornings

[LaBelleSauvage123]

I have osteoarthritis in my hip and knee which causes knee pain, which is manageable most of the time. Recently though, when I wake up either in the night for a wee, or in the morning, the pain is intense. I can’t move it without being in agony and can only walk bent over like a crab. After stretching, massaging and painkillers it goes off after about 30 mins, which I know is classic for OA.
Has anyone found anything that helps reduce this pain? I’m of an age when I really need to pee when I feel the urge, so the crab stagger to the bathroom is essential but agonising!

Have you tried Voltarol gel buy max concentration. Rub it into your knee at bedtime. See if it helps. I sympathise because sometimes I have this same pain. I also like the “crab” description. I do this on occasions also.
Hope you get some relief.

I’ve tried Voltarol but not sure whether it was the max concentration - will have a look, thanks.

What about a memory foam knee pillow to rest your knee on during sleep?

I’ve got one of these but it doesn’t seem to make a huge difference.