Gout and knee swelling: what to know

Gout can produce a puffy, warm knee with stiffness and pain. Swelling may reflect extra fluid inside the joint, tissue inflammation or both. A swollen knee does not identify its cause. ACL injury, meniscus tear, osteoarthritis, knee bursitis and a Baker's cyst can also swell the knee. A clinician may compare both knees, assess movement and consider imaging or joint aspiration.

Rest from impact and deep bending, elevate the leg when comfortable and apply a wrapped cool pack briefly. Do not massage a hot swollen knee or force painful movement. Use only medicines recommended for you, especially with kidney, stomach or heart conditions. Note when swelling began, whether an injury preceded it and whether fever is present.

Get urgent care for a hot swollen knee with fever, chills, confusion, severe illness or rapidly increasing pain. Infection must be considered even when gout is possible. Prompt review is also needed after significant injury, inability to bear weight, repeated swelling or failure to improve.

Ask whether swelling is inside the joint, whether aspiration could clarify the diagnosis, which medicines are safe, and when normal activity can resume.