Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain and swelling. It often affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints.
Gout occurs when uric acid builds up and forms needle-shaped crystals in and around the joints. Treatment can relieve painful flares and help prevent future attacks and joint damage.
What Causes Gout?
Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, substances found naturally in your tissues and certain foods. Your kidneys normally remove uric acid through urine.
If your body produces too much uric acid or removes too little, crystals can form. However, not everyone with high uric acid levels develops gout.
Risk factors include:
- A family history of gout
- Being male or having gone through menopause
- Kidney disease
- Overweight or obesity
- High blood pressure or metabolic syndrome
- Certain medications, including diuretics
- Alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks
- Frequent consumption of purine-rich animal foods
Gout isn’t simply a result of diet, and lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to manage it.
Common Gout Symptoms
A gout flare may begin suddenly, often at night. Symptoms include:
- Severe joint pain
- Swelling and warmth
- Redness or other skin color changes
- Tenderness, even with light contact
The feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrists and elbows can also be affected. Untreated gout can lead to recurring attacks and lasting joint damage.
Over time, crystal deposits may form firm lumps under the skin called tophi.
How Is Gout Diagnosed?
Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history and medications and examine the affected joint. Testing may include:
- Blood tests to measure uric acid
- Joint fluid analysis to look for urate crystals
- Ultrasound or specialized imaging when needed
A high uric acid result alone does not confirm gout. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Gout Treatment Options
Treatment has two goals: relieving current symptoms and preventing future flares.
Relieving a Gout Flare
Your provider may recommend:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Colchicine
- Corticosteroids
The safest choice depends on your medical history, kidney function and other medications. Resting and elevating the joint and applying a wrapped ice pack may also help.
Preventing Future Attacks
For people who need long-term treatment, uric acid-lowering medicines such as allopurinol can help prevent crystal buildup and future flares. These medicines serve a different purpose from medications used for immediate pain relief.
Take prescribed medication consistently, even between attacks, and discuss changes with your provider.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Gout
Healthy habits support treatment but do not replace medication when it’s needed.
- Limit alcohol, especially beer and spirits; avoid it during flares.
- Reduce sugary drinks, particularly those containing high-fructose corn syrup.
- Limit organ meats, red meat and certain seafood, including anchovies and sardines.
- Choose balanced meals with vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and appropriate protein sources.
- Stay hydrated, following any fluid restrictions your provider recommends.
- Work toward a healthy weight gradually rather than using crash diets.
You do not need to avoid all protein. Beans, chickpeas and lentils can be part of a balanced gout-friendly diet.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek an evaluation for a first episode of sudden joint pain or a flare that isn’t improving with your usual treatment.
Get urgent medical care for a hot, swollen joint accompanied by fever, chills or feeling unwell. A joint infection can resemble gout and needs prompt treatment.
Get Help for Gout Symptoms
Don’t ignore recurring joint pain. Schedule a visit with tru Primary & Urgent Care to discuss your symptoms, treatment options and steps to help prevent future flares.
