Can High Uric Acid Cause Knee Pain?
December 4, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, high levels of uric acid in the body can lead to a condition called gout, which can cause knee pain among other symptoms. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected joint(s).
When uric acid levels become elevated in the blood (a condition known as hyperuricemia), urate crystals can form and deposit in the joints, including the knees. These crystals trigger an immune response, resulting in the inflammation and intense pain characteristic of gout attacks.
While gout commonly affects the joint at the base of the big toe, it can also impact other joints, including the knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows. Gout attacks in the knee can cause significant discomfort, pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
However, knee pain can stem from various other conditions and not solely from gout. Other causes of knee pain might include osteoarthritis, injury, tendonitis, bursitis, or other forms of arthritis.
If you experience sudden and severe knee pain, especially if accompanied by swelling, redness, or difficulty moving the joint, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. A doctor can conduct tests to determine the cause of the knee pain and recommend appropriate treatment, which might include medications to manage gout symptoms, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications to reduce uric acid levels, or other interventions tailored to the underlying condition causing the pain.