Overview
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals collecting in a joint — classically the big toe — producing sudden attacks of severe pain, redness and swelling. Attacks often follow heavy meat or alcohol intake. It is very treatable, and long-term medicines can prevent attacks entirely.
Symptoms
- Sudden, severe pain in a joint, often the big toe
- Joint redness, heat and swelling
- Pain often starting at night
- Skin over the joint appearing shiny
- Extreme tenderness — even a bedsheet hurts
- Hard lumps (tophi) near joints in long-standing disease
Causes & risk factors
- High uric acid levels in the blood
- Diet heavy in red meat, organ meat and alcohol (especially beer)
- Obesity, hypertension and kidney problems
- Certain medicines, including some diuretics
- Family history
Treatment & self-care
Attacks are settled with prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines, rest and ice on the joint. If attacks recur, doctors prescribe daily urate-lowering tablets to keep uric acid down and dissolve crystals. Cutting back on red meat, sugary drinks and alcohol, drinking more water and losing excess weight all reduce attacks.
See a doctor urgently if
- A hot, swollen joint with fever (infection must be ruled out)
- Attacks happening more than once or twice a year
- Pain not settling with prescribed treatment
- Lumps forming around joints or ears