Sudden knee pain going upstairs is a disorder that is a sign of gout. Apart from pain, sufferers will also experience swelling, redness, and a burning sensation in the affected joint
Gout or what can be called gout is a type of arthritis. This disorder is triggered by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints of the body.
Normally, excess uric acid that enters will be excreted from the body in the form of urine. However, people with this disorder have problems removing excess uric acid.
In excessive amounts, uric acid will form crystals and accumulate in the joints. This can trigger inflammation which causes pain and swelling in the affected body part.
Sudden knee pain going upstairs is one of the symptoms of uric acid
Excess uric acid in the body is a condition known as hyperuricemia. When the crystal hits the joint in the knee area, the sufferer will experience symptoms in the form of pain, swelling, and heat.
Not only that, but the buildup of uric acid can also reduce the mobility of the knee, making it difficult to walk. In addition to the pain that appears suddenly and intensely, symptoms of gout are characterized by:
- Great pain.
- Redness.
- Stiffness.
- Swelling.
- Warmth or burning sensation in the joint area.
The above conditions are episodes called gout attacks. These problems are very painful and can occur suddenly, usually at night.
Conditions that Trigger Gout
There are several factors that increase the risk of gout. Some of them:
- Diets. Foods such as red meat and shellfish, as well as drinking drinks with added fructose such as beer, can increase uric acid levels in the body.
- Excessive weight. Excess body weight can trigger an increase in uric acid production. This also makes it more difficult for the kidneys to remove the excess from the body.
- Medical conditions. Certain diseases and conditions increase the risk of gout, namely high blood pressure and chronic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart and kidney disease.
- Medicines. The use of low-dose aspirin and some hypertension drugs, such as thiazide diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and beta blockers carries a risk of increasing uric acid levels.
- Family history. Having a family with a history of the same disease increases the risk of gout.
- Age and gender. Gout is more common in men aged 30 to 50 years than women. In women, symptoms usually appear after menopause.
- Operation or accident. Undergoing a surgical procedure or experiencing trauma to a joint can trigger a gout attack. Another factor, namely receiving certain vaccinations.
If you have sudden knee pain going upstairs, it is advisable to get checked out immediately. Untreated gout can cause worsening symptoms, even joint damage.
One of the treatment steps is done with corticosteroids. This is a drug that functions as a controller for inflammation and gout pain. Medication is available in pill form or injected directly into the joint area.
After recovering from symptoms, sufferers can avoid several types of food and drink. Examples are offal, red meat, seafood, durian spinach, and alcoholic and carbonated drinks. The goal is to prevent the recurrence of gout symptoms.
Alternatively, you can also take health-supporting supplements that your body needs.