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Gouty Arthritis
What is gout?
Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that usually affects the big toe, but can develop in any joint, including one or both of the knees. It forms when your body has high levels of uric acid. This acid forms sharp crystals that cause sudden bouts of pain, swelling, and tenderness.
When gout affects the knee, it can make everyday movements, such as walking or standing, painful or uncomfortable. While there’s no cure for gout, there are several treatments that can help to prevent flare-ups and control painful symptoms.
Read on to learn more about gout and how it can affect yo
What are the symptoms of gout in the knee?
The main symptom of gout in the knee is pain and discomfort in the surrounding area. Keep in mind that gout is often unpredictable, regardless of the joint it’s affecting. You might go weeks or even months without any symptoms, only to wake up with a burning pain in your knee.
In some cases, gout starts out in one of your big toes before moving on to other areas, such as your knee. Over time, these flare-ups may last longer than previous episodes.
Other symptoms you might feel from gout in your knee include:
- tenderness
- swelling
- redness
- warmth (to the touch)
- stiffness and limited range of motion
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What are the causes and triggers of gout in the knee?
The buildup of uric acid in the body is known as hyperuricemia. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines. These are compounds found in all your cells. You can also find purines in several types of food, especially red meat and some seafood, as well as alcohol and some sugar-sweetened drinks.
Usually, uric acid passes through your kidneys, which help to eliminate extra uric acid in your urine. But sometimes, there’s too much uric acid for your kidneys to handle. In other cases, the kidneys can’t process typical amounts of uric acid due to an underlying condition.
As a result, more uric acid circulates throughout your body, ending up in your knee as uric acid crystals.
How is gout in the knee diagnosed?
If you think you might have gout but haven’t been diagnosed, try to see a doctor while you’re having symptoms. Gout is easier to diagnose when you’re in the middle of a flare-up, especially one that’s causing swelling, redness, and other visible symptoms.
During your appointment, your doctor will likely ask you several questions about your diet, any medications you take, and whether you have a family history of gout. This can help to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, including an infection or rheumatoid arthritis.
Your doctor may also order a blood test to check your uric acid levels. Some people have high levels of uric acid and don’t develop gout. Others have typical uric acid levels but still develop gout. As a result, your doctor will want to do some other tests as well.
An X-ray, MRI, or CT scan of your knee can help to eliminate other possible causes of joint inflammation. Depending on your exam, your doctor may also order an ultrasound to check for the presence of crystals in your knee.
Finally, they might do a joint fluid test. This involves taking a small sample of joint fluid from your knee with a small needle and looking at it under a microscope for any uric acid crystals.
Based on the results of your exam and tests, they may refer you to an inflammatory arthritis specialist called a rheumatologist for treatment.