What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that happens when uric acid crystals build up inside a joint. These crystals trigger inflammation that can cause sudden pain, swelling, and tenderness. Gout most often affects the big toe, but it can also develop in the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and other joints.
Flare-ups may come on quickly, sometimes overnight. Without treatment, repeated attacks can lead to long-term joint problems and other health complications.
Gout develops when uric acid levels become too high in the body. This can happen if the body produces too much uric acid or if the kidneys cannot remove enough of it.
Several factors can raise the risk of gout, including:
- Obesity
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Family history of gout
- Drinking alcohol regularly
- Diets high in red meat, seafood, or sugary beverages
Certain situations, such as illness, dehydration, surgery, or stress, may also trigger a flare-up.
Symptoms
Gout symptoms usually appear suddenly and may last for several days. Some people experience occasional flare-ups, while others develop more frequent attacks over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Intense joint pain
- Swelling and tenderness
- Redness or warmth around the joint
- Stiffness or trouble moving the joint
- Pain that starts suddenly, often at night
- Hard lumps under the skin called tophi in long-term cases
How is it diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose gout by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and examining the affected joint. In many cases, a sample of fluid may be taken from the joint to look for uric acid crystals under a microscope.
Blood tests can help measure uric acid levels. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or X-rays may also be used to evaluate joint inflammation or damage.
How is it treated?
Treatment for gout focuses on easing pain during flare-ups and lowering the risk of future attacks.
Many people improve with conservative treatments, including:
- Drinking more water
- Limiting alcohol and sugary drinks
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing foods high in purines, such as some red meats and seafood
- Managing related health conditions
Medications may also help control symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. Common options include anti-inflammatory medicines, colchicine, corticosteroids, and medications that lower uric acid levels over time.
For severe or long-standing gout, additional treatment may be needed to address joint damage or large tophi deposits.
With ongoing care and lifestyle changes, many people are able to manage gout successfully and reduce future flare-ups.
