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I had nephrotic syndrome. Is knee and waist pain related to it?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I started having severe pain on the right side of my waist at night. Shortly after, I began feeling pain in one knee, making it painful to stand up or sit down.

The pain on the side of my stomach is now mild, and while the knee pain has lessened, I am now feeling mild pain in both knees.

I had nephrotic syndrome when I was 14 years old, but it has not recurred since then. I am now 44.

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I can understand how concerning it must be to suddenly experience pain in your waist and knees, especially when you have been healthy for so many years.

The pattern you describe, pain on the right side of your waist that later spread to the knees, now affecting both sides, could have several possible explanations.

Sometimes, pain around the waist or hip area can radiate downward due to muscle strain,

spinal or nerve irritation (such as from the lower back or hip joint), or even early arthritis in the hip or knees.

Given your weight, some of this discomfort could also be related to joint strain, which places extra pressure on the knees and hip joints during movement, especially when standing or sitting.

Your history of nephrotic syndrome many years ago is unlikely to be directly related, since it has been in remission for decades. However, it is still a good idea to get a urine and kidney function test done to be safe, especially when there’s flank or side discomfort.

Since your pain has improved but not fully resolved, I recommend that you have your doctor evaluate your joints and spine, and possibly perform simple blood tests (such as a kidney profile, uric acid, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and vitamin D levels), as well as a knee X-ray if needed.

Gentle stretching, low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling, and gradual weight reduction can make a big difference in relieving pressure on your knees and waist.

For now, avoid sudden bending, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting.

If pain worsens or swelling appears, seek medical attention promptly.

You have done well maintaining your health, and with the right evaluation and care, this issue can likely be managed effectively and prevent further discomfort.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.

Answered byDr. Ashraf Ghani

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At January 13, 2026
Reviewed AtJanuary 13, 2026

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