Early symptoms of gout in the knee

Gout is inflammation caused by urate crystals collecting in a joint. A knee attack can develop quickly, with pain that makes bending or walking difficult. The skin may feel hot and look red, although colour changes vary across skin tones. Swelling can make the knee feel tight. Gout may also affect another joint, such as an ankle, at a different time.

A hot swollen knee has other possible causes, including infection or an injury, so symptoms alone cannot establish gout. A clinician may examine the joint and, when appropriate, test joint fluid or use other investigations. Learn more about [Gout](/conditions/gout/), [Knee Pain](/symptoms/knee-pain/), and [Knee Swelling](/symptoms/knee-swelling/).

Rest the knee in a comfortable position, avoid strenuous weight-bearing, and use a cool wrapped pack for short periods if it feels soothing. Drink normally unless a clinician has given you fluid restrictions. Record when the pain began, which joints are affected, and any recent illness, injury, or medication change.

Contact a clinician promptly for diagnosis and a treatment plan. Kidney disease, body-weight changes, and medicines can affect urate management, so share your full medical history. Do not use someone else’s gout medicine or alter prescribed treatment without advice. Related topics include [Chronic Kidney Disease](/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/) and [Joint Swelling](/symptoms/joint-swelling/).

Seek urgent medical care for a hot, swollen knee with fever, chills, feeling faint, or rapidly worsening pain, because infection needs prompt treatment. Seek same-day advice when you cannot bear weight or when the first suspected attack is severe. A new swollen joint deserves assessment even if gout seems familiar.

Could this be gout, infection, or an injury? Would joint-fluid testing help? Which pain treatment is safe with my other medicines or kidney health? How should I respond if another attack affects the knee or ankle?