Is There A Link Between Decreased Kidney Function...

[BigDon]

and joint pain?

Apparently my kidneys were hurt by either the anti-inflamitories I was taking for kidney stones or the cipro for infection and during this time my fingers and shoulder joints got so stiff and painful that if I weren't already taking pain medications, I'd have to go to the doctors just for that. My fingers especially were stiff and popping sounds came out of all the joints when I moved them. As my kidney function improved this did as well and now only my right thumb and left shoulder are still stiff and sore.

Is this connected or a co-incidence?

[Argos]

I´d say high concentration of uric acid - stemming from impaired kidney function - may cause certain types of arthritis.

[NEOWatcher]

and joint pain?
...Is this connected or a co-incidence?
As a person who has experienced kidney failure, dialysis, and a transplant, I can't say which. I do have a few insights though.

I have not experienced joint pain myself, so I would tend to say co-incidence.
But; one of the issues with kidney failure is the diminished ability to remove phosphor. To much phosphor will eat away at the calcium (and, thus the bones). So; maybe there is some connection, and my experience was controlled enough to prevent it.

[Moose]

You didn't say what anti-inflammatories, but if one of them is Prednisone (or something very related), it's entirely possible that you're experiencing joint stiffness and popping as side effects. From what I'm hearing, the side effects vary wildly among individuals, but joint trouble is certainly one of the recognized side effects. Each time I'd been on it, I'd experienced a drastic worsening of my existing arthritis and joint popping.

[BigDon]

Both Ibuprofin and prednisone. Now neither.

[Swift]

You didn't say what anti-inflammatories, but if one of them is Prednisone (or something very related), it's entirely possible that you're experiencing joint stiffness and popping as side effects. From what I'm hearing, the side effects vary wildly among individuals, but joint trouble is certainly one of the recognized side effects. Each time I'd been on it, I'd experienced a drastic worsening of my existing arthritis and joint popping.
What Moose said. I have not had personal experience with Prednisone, but my wife has had a lot, and joint pain is a side effect she can get. She also has had just about as many side effects getting off of it as when she took it.

[Moose]

It was the best option I had... apart from all the others.

[BigDon]

Neo, I'm sorry to hear that. And from my new perspective, I really mean that.

[NEOWatcher]

Neo, I'm sorry to hear that. And from my new perspective, I really mean that.
Thanks. It's been rough, but I took the attitude that "it is what it is", and that helped. I just marvel at how much they can do since my grandmother died of it.

Anyway; I'm not getting joint pain from the prednisone that I'm on. Although; I do have an arthritic ankle that's been acting up. I just chalk that up to finally getting active again.

[Trebuchet]

Isn't high uric acid the cause of gout? Perhaps there's a connection there somehow.

[HenrikOlsen]

Both Ibuprofin and prednisone. Now neither.
I know ibuprofen has interactions with some hypertension drugs amongst many others, which is why I have to be careful about it.
Once you start taking prescription drugs, OTC drugs can become very far from harmless.

[Argos]

Isn't high uric acid the cause of gout?

Yes it is.

[Van Rijn]

Both Ibuprofin and prednisone. Now neither.

How long were you on prednisone? It's more likely to cause problems if you're on it for longer periods.

Ibuprofin definitely can cause kidney problems. I'm guessing you were taking high doses?

Also, have you had trouble staying hydrated with this stone? That makes it tougher on the kidneys.