Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden and painful swelling in a joint. It often affects the big toe, but gout can also happen in the ankles, knees, feet, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Gout happens when a substance called uric acid builds up in the body and forms tiny, sharp crystals inside a joint. These crystals can cause pain, redness, swelling, and warmth.

What Causes Gout?

Your body naturally makes uric acid when it breaks down purines. Purines are substances found in some foods and drinks and are also made by your body. Normally, your kidneys remove uric acid from your blood through your urine. But sometimes your body makes too much uric acid or your kidneys do not remove enough. When uric acid levels become too high, crystals can form in your joints. This can lead to a gout attack.

Some things that may increase your risk of gout include:

• Having a family history of gout

• Being overweight

• Having kidney problems

• Having high blood pressure

• Eating a lot of foods high in purines

• Drinking too much alcohol

• Taking certain medicines

• Having certain health conditions

What Does a Gout Attack Feel Like?

A gout attack can happen quickly, sometimes during the night. The pain can be very strong.

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden, intense joint pain

• Swelling

• Red or purple-looking skin

• Warmth around the joint

• Tenderness

• Stiffness

Even the weight of a blanket touching the affected joint may feel painful during a bad gout attack. A gout attack may last for several days or longer. Without treatment, attacks may happen again.

Where Does Gout Usually Happen?

Gout most often affects the big toe. However, it can affect other joints, including:

• Ankles

• Knees

• Feet

• Fingers

• Wrists

• Elbows

Gout can affect more than one joint, especially when the condition has been present for a long time.

How Is Gout Diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of gout, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also examine the painful joint. A blood test can measure the amount of uric acid in your blood. However, a uric acid test alone cannot always tell if you have gout. In some cases, a doctor may take a small sample of fluid from the swollen joint. The fluid can be checked for uric acid crystals. Your doctor may also use imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or X-ray, to look at the joint.

How Is Gout Treated?

There are medicines that can help reduce pain and swelling during a gout attack. Some medicines can also help lower uric acid levels and prevent future attacks. Your doctor will choose treatment based on your symptoms, health history, and other medicines you may take. It is important to take gout medicine exactly as directed. Even if your joint feels better, stopping certain medicines too soon can allow gout to come back.

Can You Prevent Gout Attacks?

While you cannot control every cause of gout, healthy habits may help lower your risk of future attacks.

Try to:

• Drink plenty of water

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Eat a balanced diet

• Limit alcohol

• Avoid sugary drinks

• Follow your doctor's treatment plan

• Take prescribed medicines as directed

Some people may need long-term medicine to keep uric acid levels low and prevent gout attacks.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you have sudden joint pain, swelling, and redness for the first time, it is important to see a healthcare provider. Several conditions can cause similar symptoms. If you already have gout and your attacks are becoming more frequent or painful, talk with your doctor. Treatment can help manage gout and protect your joints.

Could a Gout Clinical Trial Be Right for You?

If you are living with gout and interested in clinical research, our research team may be able to help you learn whether you qualify for a current gout study.

Participation is always voluntary. Before joining a study, you will receive information about the study, including what will happen during the trial, possible risks and benefits, and what will be expected of you.

Interested in learning more about gout clinical research? Contact our research team to see if you may qualify for a current study.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options.