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[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Knee](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

# Gout of the Knee

Gout of the knee is a painful attack of joint inflammation caused by uric acid (urate) crystals; the [big toe](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/great-toe/) is the classic first site.

Updated 2026-10-23

## Structures involved

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [Joint capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-capsule-of-knee-joint/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Knee effusion: patellar tap and bulge sign](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/knee-effusion-patellar-tap-and-bulge-sign/)

## Why it happens

- [Mediators of inflammation: the table to know](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/mediators-of-inflammation-the-table-to-know/)
- [Uric acid](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/uric-acid/)
- [Purine degradation and salvage](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/purine-degradation-and-salvage/)
- [Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/synovial-joints-capsule-synovial-membrane-and-articular-cartilage/)

## What it is

Crystal arthropathy from monosodium urate crystals. The first attack is usually the big toe (podagra); the knee is also common.

## Symptoms and signs

- Sudden severe pain, redness, and swelling
- Limited motion

## Diagnosis

**Clinical**
Acute monoarthritis

**Tests**
Joint fluid showing negatively birefringent crystals

## Treatment

**Acute**
Anti-inflammatory treatment for the acute attack.

**Medical**
Urate-lowering therapy for recurrent disease.

## Related conditions

- [Gout](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/gout/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Gout](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546606/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/gout-of-the-knee/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/gout-of-the-knee/