Gikt i kneet: Symptomer, årsaker og behandling

What is gout in the knee?

Gout in the knee occurs when uric acid crystals (urate) build up in the knee joint, leading to inflammation. The condition is characterized by sudden, intense attacks of pain that can last for hours or days. A gout attack often comes on at night and can be very painful. Gout is often unpredictable and can come on without warning, sometimes after months or years without symptoms.

Over time, recurring gout attacks can lead to chronic gout, where permanent damage can occur to the joints and tophi (hard lumps of uric acid) can form under the skin. People who suffer from gout are also at increased risk of other health problems, especially those with impaired kidney function.

Symptoms of gout in the knee

Gout symptoms in the knee include:

• Sudden and intense pain in the affected joint
• Swelling and redness around the knee
• Heat increase in the affected area
• Tenderness to the touch, even light pressure can be painful
• Stiffness and limited mobility in the affected joint

These symptoms can come on suddenly, often at night, and can be worse during the first few hours of a gout attack. Many people describe the pain as if their knee is on fire or as if someone has placed a sharp knife in the joint. Gout is different from other forms of arthritis in that attacks are usually very sudden and intense. This type of pain can be similar to knee pain when bending , but is often more intense and acute.

Causes of gout in the knee

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). The uric acid forms small, sharp crystals that deposit in the joints and cause inflammation. Uric acid levels can become elevated for several reasons:

• Diet rich in purines (e.g. red meat, seafood)
• Excessive alcohol consumption, especially beer
• Overweight or obesity
• The kidneys do not function optimally to filter out uric acid
• Genetic factors that affect uric acid in the body

Gout is more common in men than in women, but women's risk increases after menopause. People with impaired kidney function are at higher risk because the kidneys cannot excrete uric acid effectively. Researchers have also identified that a high intake of certain foods can affect the level of uric acid in the body. Gout is a type of inflammatory joint disease that can lead to permanent problems if not treated in time.

Gout treatment aims to relieve pain during an attack and prevent future attacks. Self-care for gout can be combined with medical treatment for best results. Common treatment methods include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs are used to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Colchicine: A drug used specifically to treat acute gout attacks.
• Cortisone injections: Can be given directly into the affected joint for quick relief in severe cases.
• Lifestyle changes: Reducing intake of purine-rich foods, alcohol, and losing weight can be preventive measures.
• Medications that lower uric acid in the blood for long-term control.

To support the joint during recovery, using a knee brace in case of inflammation can be very effective.

Symptoms Treatment Benefits of Knee Comfort™

Preventive measures

To reduce the risk of future gout attacks, the following preventive measures are recommended:

• Avoid foods rich in purines such as red meat, seafood, and organ meats
• Limit alcohol consumption, especially beer
• Drink plenty of water to help the kidneys excrete uric acid
• Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise
• Use supportive aids such as Knee Comfort™ when needed
• Regularly check uric acid levels in your blood if you have had gout in the past

These measures can help control uric acid in the blood and reduce the risk of recurrent attacks that can lead to chronic gout. Combining a preventive diet and knee compression support often gives the best results.

Conclusion

Gout in the knee is a painful but manageable condition with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. By being aware of the symptoms and seeking help early, you can effectively manage the disease and reduce the risk of future attacks.

Untreated gout can lead to chronic arthritis and permanent joint damage, but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people can effectively control their gout. Using products like Knee Comfort™ and Termoreliever™ can further help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.