Does gout cause knee swelling?

When urate crystals irritate the knee, inflammation can increase fluid inside the joint. The knee may look puffy, feel tight or warm, and lose some range of motion. Pain can make stairs, squatting and weight-bearing harder during a flare.

A knee effusion may also follow trauma, overuse, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis or infection. A clinician will consider the onset and associated symptoms, then examine the joint. If gout is uncertain, testing may be needed rather than relying on appearance alone.

Pause strenuous activity and avoid kneeling or deep squats while the knee is inflamed. Elevate the leg in a supported position and use a cool pack over cloth for brief intervals. Follow your personal treatment plan and check before using anti-inflammatory medicine if you have other medical conditions.

Get urgent help if the swollen knee is hot and red with fever, chills, severe or escalating pain, inability to bear weight, or a generally unwell feeling. Infection can present in a similar way and requires rapid assessment. Arrange an appointment for new, recurrent or unexplained swelling.

Ask what findings support gout, whether fluid testing is useful, and how to manage medicines during a flare. Ask how much walking is appropriate, how to protect the knee, and which changes should prompt urgent review.