Gout in the knee occurs when uric acid builds up in the body, causing crystals to form in the knee joint. Gout causes pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected joint. It is diagnosed with a physical examination and other tests, such as blood work and joint aspiration. Left untreated, gout in the knee can lead to permanent joint damage.

Gout in the knee is caused by the buildup and accumulation of uric acid in the blood. High uric acid levels in the blood is called hyperuricemia. It can cause tiny sharp crystals, called urate crystals, to form in and around the knee joint. The crystals cause inflammation, including swelling, heat, redness, and the pain you feel.

When these uric acid crystals affect the joint in the knee, it can cause gout symptoms in the knee, making the knee joint red, swollen, and hot to the touch. The buildup of uric acid can also impair the knee joint’s full range of motion, which can make it difficult to walk. A number of factors can influence your risk for gout.

A knee with gout will usually be hot, red and swollen. It may be very tender or extremely painful to touch or move. It tends to come on suddenly, often starting in the early morning and reaching its worst point within 24 hours.

Gout is caused by deposits of urate crystals and most commonly affects the big toe. Pseudogout is caused by deposits of calcium crystals and often affects larger joints, such as the knees and wrists. It is more common in elderly patients and in joints which are already damaged by osteoarthritis or “wear and repair”.