Overview
Gout is a common form of arthritis linked to high levels of uric acid in the body. When uric acid forms tiny crystals in a joint, it can trigger intense inflammation and pain. Attacks may come and go, but repeated gout can affect joint health over time. Early medical care can help confirm the cause and lower the chance of future flares.
Key Symptoms
A gout flare usually causes sudden, severe pain in one joint, often with swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness. The big toe is a classic location, but gout can also affect the feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrists, and elbows. Some people also notice limited movement in the joint during an attack. In long-standing gout, firm lumps called tophi can form under the skin around joints or the ear.
Causes and Risk Factors
Gout develops when the body makes too much uric acid, does not remove enough of it through the kidneys, or both. Risk can be higher with kidney disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of gout. Certain medicines, including some water tablets used for blood pressure, can raise uric acid levels. Alcohol and a diet high in purines, such as large amounts of red meat, organ meats, and some seafood, can also trigger flares in some people.
Who Is Affected
Gout can affect adults of any background. It is more common in men and in people whose uric acid level is high, but women can also develop gout, especially after menopause. Risk rises with age and with some long-term health conditions. People who have had one flare are at higher risk of another.
Prevention
Prevention usually aims to lower the chance of crystal buildup and reduce flare triggers. Drinking enough water, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing related health conditions may help. Some people need long-term medical treatment to lower uric acid and prevent repeat attacks. It is important not to start, stop, or change medicines without speaking to a healthcare professional.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may suspect gout from the pattern of symptoms and by examining the joint. Blood tests can measure uric acid, but a normal result during a flare does not rule gout out. The most specific test is checking fluid taken from the joint for uric acid crystals. Ultrasound or other imaging may also help in some cases.
Treatment Categories
Treatment generally has two parts: relieving pain and inflammation during a flare, and preventing future attacks by lowering uric acid when needed. A clinician may discuss anti-inflammatory medicines for short-term flare treatment and other long-term options for people with frequent gout or tophi. Resting the joint and using cold packs may also help with symptoms. Treatment choice depends on overall health, kidney function, other medicines, and how often attacks happen.
Diet and Lifestyle
Food is only one part of gout, but it can matter. Some people benefit from limiting alcohol, sugary drinks, and large amounts of high-purine foods such as organ meats and some seafood. Weight loss, if needed, should be gradual because crash dieting can worsen gout. A balanced eating pattern, regular physical activity, and good hydration support overall health and may reduce flare risk.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care for a first episode of sudden severe joint pain, especially if the joint is red, hot, and swollen. You should also get medical advice if attacks are becoming more frequent, symptoms are not improving, or you notice lumps around joints. Ongoing care is important because repeated inflammation can damage joints. If you already have gout, ask what to do when a flare starts and how to prevent future attacks.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help if you have a painful swollen joint along with fever, chills, or feeling very unwell, because a joint infection can look like gout and needs prompt treatment. Emergency assessment is also important if you cannot bear weight, the pain is extreme, or there is major swelling after an injury. A hot, swollen joint should not be assumed to be gout without medical evaluation.