Fact Checked
Knee gout is an inflammatory condition characterized by severe pain, redness and swelling of the affected knee joint. Men are more susceptible to this condition than women, usually at the age of 75 years old.
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The most common areas affected by gout are the big toes, but it can also affect the hands, ankles, wrist and the knee. These areas become painful, warm, red and swollen.
Causes of knee gout
- High levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product of various sources of food. It usually passes out in the urine, but sometimes there are problems on how the body metabolizes or breaks down the uric acid.
- High levels of uric acid can develop crystals in the soft tissues especially around the joints including the knee.
- The uric acid level is usually raised for several years before the symptoms of knee gout can be felt.
Symptoms
- Pain can be felt usually at night due to the low temperature of the body
- The joint is warm, reddened, sore and swollen
- The skin appears shiny around the affected joint
- Small and firm lumps form under the skin
- Fever
- Severe pain when walking
Treatment
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen to lessen the pain and inflammation. Take the medication immediately after the attack.
- Elevate the affected joint to lessen the swelling and avoid performing strenuous activities. Elevate the affected joint above the level of the heart for proper circulation of blood and drainage.
- Take the prescribed steroids orally or by injection to lessen the pain and inflammation.
- Cool down the affected knee joint by applying an ice pack on the area for at least 20 minutes to lessen the pain and inflammation.
- Fill a small basin with warm water and mix Epsom salt until totally dissolved. Soak a towel in warm water, wring out the excess and wrap around the affected knee and alternate with an ice pack.
- Perform exercises regularly to improve overall health at least 30 minutes of walking or 15 minutes of running and swimming at 5 times in a week.