2 types of pain ?

Hi . I absolutely know that people here get what you are saying about the different types of pain. In fact, for a chronic condition like RA pain comes in many forms and characterizing it can be rough, with others often not quite understanding (see: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/characterizing-pain). Our patient leader Nan, who wrote the first article I linked, also wrote this one on the many faces of pain and dealing with them: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/pain-types. A big question, which Nan touches on, is how to differentiate when pain demands a different response. In particular, when the pain may indicate something has changed that needs quick medical attention, indicates a flare, or some other sort of intervention. Our patient leader Kelly Mack (full disclosure - I'm her husband) wrote this article on a change in pain that led to discovering something that needed surgery: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/change-in-pain. Most changes are not that dramatic, but may indicate a flare and key a person to take preventive action (see Kat's article on the flare action plan: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/change-in-pain). I hope all this information is helpful and that others chime in with their experiences on the different types of pain - people here definitely understand and this community is here for you. Best, Richard (Team Member)

I have had this exact thing happen. Going along, boop boop boop, usual dull aches and all of a sudden it feels like one of my joints, (usually a knee or elbow,) feels as if an ice pick has just been jabbed in. Pain lasts about 3 seconds and is gone completely!
It happens so fast, I've wondered if I imagined it.
Not sure what to do about it either.
You are not alone,
Julie