Gout that forms in your knee has high levels of uric acid. Uric acid forms sharp crystals that cause sudden swelling, pain, and tenderness. Everyday movements, such as walking or standing become painful or uncomfortable when gout affects your knee.
Symptoms of gout in the knee include:
An attack of gout can occur suddenly, this condition is triggered by high levels of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a natural compound in your body. However, if you have too much of it, sharp crystals of uric acid can collect in your joints. These sharp crystals cause a gout flare-ups. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the slightest weight on it, may seem intolerable.
You may have been diagnosed with pseudogout. Learn the difference between pseudogout and gout?
Pseudogout and gout are both types of arthritis, and they’re both caused by the accumulation of crystals in the joints. While pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals, gout is caused by urate (uric acid) crystals.
Knee gout that goes untreated can lead to worsening pain and knee joint damage. Seek medical care immediately if you have a fever and your knee joint is hot and inflamed, which can be a sign of infection. If left unmanaged, gout-related inflammation can cause permanent damage to your knee joint, especially if you have frequent flare-ups. Over time, lumps of uric acid crystals, called tophi, can also form around your knee.
People with gout can develop more-severe conditions, such as:
In conclusion, gout in your knee can be very painful, you may need a pain specialist to relieve your pain while you heal. Above all, Carolinas Pain Center located in Charlotte, NC and Huntersville, NC has specialists who can give you information based on your specific condition and create a treatment plan to help relieve your gout knee pain.
