Joint Pain

How long should it take for joint pain to subside following an attack by yellow jackets?

I was stung several times about 2 months ago, and developed minor joint pain about 2 weeks later. The pain has intensified over time, and has become more constant. I would estimate that I was stung between 20 and 30 times. Most were in my calves and ancles. Although several sources claim that yellow jackets do not leave a stinger, I know for a fact that these were yellow jackets, and I had six stingers left inside. Two in my right leg, and one each in my left leg, each arm, and left side. The joint pain was in my knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows. My knees and hips are ok now, but my shoulders and especially my elbows have continued to worsen. Any suggestions?

Public Comments

1. This seems a bit odd.. there is therapy which uses bee stings for relief of pain for arthritic joints... perhaps you need to have an evaluation and find out if you don't have some other problem.
2. I've never heard of getting stung causing joint pain. Did a doctor tell you that the stings caused the joint pain? If you haven't been to a doctor you should probably make an appointment.
3. That's unusual. I have heard many people with arthritis say that bee stings actually lessen the pain they have. Have you spoken with a doctor?
4. Yes. See a doctor and tell him what you told us. This is not a normal reaction. It may have nothing to do with the stings, but it sounds serious enough to get it checked out. I don't remember ever having joint pain from a yellow jacket sting. I seem to be immune to them. My sister, on the other hand is extremely allergic to them and needs to keep an anti venom handy at all times. Without it, if she gets stung, her throat could swell shut & kill her. By the way, her allergy seemed to start after sh was stung many times after steooing on a nest. Take care of yourself a nd Good Luck.
5. If there was a stinger in your leg it wasn't left by a yellow jacket....their stingers are smooth like a hypodermic needle, so you were likely stung by more than just yellow jackets. You are haveing a reaction to a protein in the venom you were injected with. You will need a shot of cortisone, and some anti-inflamatory drugs to stop the immediate pain and arthritis.....you must see a doctor an internist will do or an allergist would be better. Since you have waited so long you may have started to develop arthritis.....so be prepared to find a rheumatologist or a damn good internal medicine doctor. Good Luck !