What Does Knee Swelling Feel Like With Gout?

A gout flare can bring sudden severe pain in a swollen knee. The skin may look red or darker than usual and feel hot compared with the other side. The joint can feel pressurised and stiff, with bending becoming difficult. Touch from clothing or bedding may be unpleasant. Symptoms may build over a short period and then gradually settle, but the pattern varies between people.

Several problems can cause a hot, swollen knee, including infection and injury. A diagnosis may involve an examination and tests of joint fluid or blood, depending on the situation. Do not assume a new swollen joint is gout without medical advice.

Rest the joint in a comfortable position and avoid heavy walking or exercise until it is assessed. Elevate the leg if that feels soothing, keep bedding off a very tender knee, and drink normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids. Use only medicines recommended for you, especially if you have kidney, stomach, heart, or blood-pressure problems or take other prescriptions.

Contact a clinician promptly about a first suspected flare or a flare that is not following your usual plan. Treatment works best when selected for your health history and current medicines.

Seek urgent medical care for a hot, red, swollen knee with fever, chills, feeling faint, or rapidly worsening pain. Infection inside a joint can look similar to gout and needs prompt treatment. Get urgent help after an injury if the knee is deformed, locked, numb, or impossible to bear weight on. Arrange review when attacks recur or the swelling does not improve.

Could this be gout, infection, or another cause of a hot swollen knee? Do I need joint-fluid testing? Which flare treatment is safe with my medical conditions and medicines? What plan could reduce future attacks?