Gout

Gout is a painful and often debilitating form of inflammatory arthritis that affects millions of people all over the world. It's characterized by sudden and severe pain, often in the big toe, but it can also affect joints in your ankles, knees, hands and feet.

If you’re experiencing gout attacks, we’re here for you. Our rheumatologists will work with you to help you understand gout and what causes it, then create a treatment plan specifically for you so you can effectively manage this condition.

What are gout symptoms?

The most common gout symptoms include:

• Sudden and severe pain in the joints: This pain often starts in the big toe but can occur in other joints.
• Redness and swelling: The affected joint may become red, swollen and warm to the touch.
• Tenderness: Even light pressure on the affected joint can cause intense pain.
• Limited range of motion: As gout progresses, you may find it difficult to move the affected joint.

What does gout feel like?

Gout is often described as an excruciatingly painful condition. The pain usually starts suddenly, often at night, and can be so intense that even the weight of a bed sheet feels unbearable.

The affected joint may feel hot, swollen and extremely tender. Sudden pain and discomfort are trademarks of a gout attack, which can last for several days or even weeks if left untreated.

What is the main cause of gout?

The primary cause of gout is an excess of uric acid in the blood, which can happen for various reasons including:

• Diet: Eating foods high in purines, such as red meat, can increase uric acid levels. Alcohol can make gout worse.
• Genetics: If gout runs in your family, you're more likely to develop it.
• Obesity: Being overweight increases uric acid production and makes it harder for the kidneys to remove it.
• Medical conditions: Certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes, can lead to high uric acid levels.
• Medications: Some medications, such as diuretics, can raise uric acid levels.

Foods that can cause gout

Diet plays a significant role in managing gout. Certain foods can lead to gout attacks by increasing uric acid levels in the blood. These include:

• Alcohol: Beer, red wine
• Red meat: Beef, lamb, pork
• Seafood: Shellfish, sardines, anchovies, tuna
• Sugary drinks: Sweetened beverages such as soda, fruit punch, some juices

Avoiding these foods can help reduce gout attacks.

What foods should I eat if I have gout?

Diet is vital in managing gout and reducing painful flare-ups and recurring symptoms. A gout-friendly diet includes:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Lean proteins such as lean meats, poultry and plant-based proteins
• Low-fat dairy products
• Water
• Whole grains

Gout diagnosis

Diagnosing gout typically involves a physical exam with your doctor. They’ll review your medical history and check your joints for swelling or tenderness. You’ll likely have a blood test to check uric acid levels in your blood.

In some cases, your doctor may perform a joint fluid test, where a small sample of fluid is taken from the affected joint and examined for uric acid crystals. Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds also may be used to check for joint damage or crystal deposits.

Gout treatments

While there is no cure for gout, changes to your diet can go a long way in helping you manage and prevent gout attacks.

Additional common gout treatments include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation during a gout attack.
• Corticosteroids: For severe cases, corticosteroids may be injected into the affected joint or taken orally to reduce inflammation.
• Gout medications: Long-term gout management may involve medications to lower uric acid levels, such as allopurinol or febuxostat.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated and avoiding foods and drinks that cause uric acid levels to rise can help you prevent and manage gout.