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We're here to support you on your path to recovery. Our support hub brings together all our online and in-person services, advice and guidance for stroke survivors and their families.
Access the information in this section in other formats.
What is pain after stroke?
Pain is a common problem after stroke. It can happen soon after a stroke or it may develop later on. You may have muscle and joint pain, headaches or painful sensations like pins and needles.
Pain can have a significant effect on your quality of life, emotional wellbeing and ability to do rehabilitation activities. Pain may also impact sleep, work and other daily activities. Everyone feels pain differently and responds in their own way. How you feel pain can also be influenced by factors such as your mood, stress or tiredness.
Can pain improve after stroke?
Yes. There are effective treatments and ways of controlling pain, so it’s important to seek help. Tell your doctor or therapist about the pain and how it affects you. They can help to find out the cause of the problem and get the right treatments.
Depending on the cause of the pain, treatments like medication and physiotherapy are often helpful. But for some people, post-stroke pain can last a long time. You may hear pain that lasts or recurs for more than three months described as ‘chronic pain.’
There are also techniques for managing long-term pain with help from pain clinics.
Types of pain after stroke
Some of the main ways stroke survivors experience pain include:
Spasticity and contractures
A stroke can damage the way the nerves control your muscles. This can cause pain in muscles and soft tissues.
Other Painful conditions
Swollen hand
A swollen hand can happen if you are not moving your hand very much, or are unable to move it. Older people and those who had more severe strokes are most likely to experience this condition. The swelling may happen because fluid builds up in the tissue if the muscles are not moving around. It’s more likely to happen if the hand is hanging downwards. Painful swelling can make it more difficult to move your hand and arm, which can make spasticity worse.
To overcome this problem, it’s best to raise your hand on a pillow or a cushion, and get your hand moving again gently with the help of your physiotherapist.
Find help
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- Action on Pain is a charity run by volunteers affected by chronic pain. It provides support and advice about pain and raises awareness. PainLine: 0345 603 1593.
- British Pain Society is a professional body promoting best practice in supporting patients with pain. They provide patient information about pain and managing pain and have a suggested reading list for books about managing pain.
- The Faculty of Pain Medicine produce patient information leaflets on some medications used to treat persistent pain.
- Pain Association Scotland are a charity which runs self-management programmes in Scotland for people living with chronic pain. Tel: 0800 783 6059.
- Pain Concern are a UK-wide charity offering support for people living with pain. They have a podcast, helpline and online forum. Helpline: 0300 123 0789.
Accessible resources
The information in this section can be accessed in the following formats:
- Download this information as a PDF or large print Word document.
- Order a printed copy from our Shop.
- To request a braille copy, email feedback@stroke.org.uk
Related pages
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy can play a crucial role in your recovery after stroke. It involves re-learning everyday activities to enable you to lead a full and independent life.
Emotional and behavioural changes
Most people who have had a stroke will experience some kind of emotional change afterwards. Learn more about emotional changes after stroke possible treatments.