High uric acid (hyperuricemia) is a growing condition in the Indian populace. As per studies, it afflicts 22.5% of Indians. It might come as a surprise but high uric acid levels in the body can cause knee pain. What’s more, it often manifests in very sudden and severe ways. The most common condition linked with increased uric acid is gout, a type of arthritis that frequently occurs in the knee joint, among other joints.
What is Uric Acid?
Before we delve into how uric acid affects the knee joint, let us see what uric acid is. Uric acid is a waste product formed when your body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in certain food items and drinks like red meat, seafood, alcohol, soya, cheese, legumes (especially arhar/ rajma/ Kabuli chana), and sugary beverages. Normally what happens is – uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys into the urine. But if it so happens that the body produces excessive uric acid or fails to get rid of the derisable amount of this waste product, it can accumulate in the bloodstream.
How Does It Cause Knee Pain?
When uric acid levels in your blood become too high, it may turn into crystal form and deposit in joints, especially in knees and toes – those parts of your body where temperature is comparatively lower than the rest of the body. The crystals thus formed trigger intense inflammation and swelling, accompanied by sudden, sharp pain – typical symptoms of a gout attack.
A gout flare in the knee may cause:
- Sudden, intense knee pain (often at night)
- Swelling and redness
- Warmth over the joint
- Difficulty moving the knee
These symptoms can last from a few days to a couple of weeks and may keep returning if the condition is not properly managed.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can develop gout, but it is more common in men, older adults, people who are overweight, and those who consume a diet high in purines. Kidney problems, certain medications, and genetic factors can also be the reasons behind a person getting afflicted by gout.
Managing Uric Acid Levels
To prevent gout-related knee pain, it is important that you manage your uric acid levels. Here are some ways to do it:
- Dietary changes: Reduce intake of purine-rich foods, avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water – at least 2 litres (8 glasses) to help flush out uric acid.
- Medication: Doctors may prescribe medicines to lower uric acid or manage inflammation during attacks.
- Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
There may be several other causes of knee joint pain, but if you are experiencing unexplained knee pain and swelling, especially that comes and goes, we advise you to get your uric acid levels checked.
Live in the tricity? You can always consult Dr. Gagandeep Singh Sachdeva, a trusted knee pain specialist in Chandigarh. The highly experienced ortho expert has transformed the lives of thousands of knee patients across India and the world.
The bottom line is that you should not ignore knee pain. Early diagnosis and management can help avoid long-term knee joint damage so that you can lead a life free from knee pain.