Gout and knee pain: what to know

A gout flare can make the knee hot, swollen, stiff and painful. The knee may be affected even when earlier flares occurred elsewhere. Knee pain also comes from ACL or meniscus tears, osteoarthritis, patellar tendinitis, chondromalacia patellae, a Baker's cyst or knee bursitis. The onset pattern, examination and sometimes joint-fluid testing help distinguish these problems.

Reduce weight-bearing while the knee is acutely painful, support the leg comfortably and use a wrapped cool pack briefly. Follow prescribed treatment instructions. Avoid leftover medicines without checking that they suit your kidney health, stomach, blood pressure and other prescriptions. Once the flare settles, gradual movement can help prevent stiffness, guided by a clinician or physiotherapist.

Seek urgent assessment if knee pain and swelling come with fever, chills, faintness, confusion or rapidly worsening illness. Infection can resemble gout. Arrange review for a first episode, inability to bear weight, a recent injury, repeated attacks or pain that is not improving.

Ask whether symptoms fit gout or another knee problem, whether fluid testing or imaging is useful, and which activity and medicines are safe during recovery.