Gout is an ancient disease once called the "disease of kings" for its link to overeating, meat, and drink, but today it is widespread among everyone due to modern diets and obesity. It is marked by sudden, severe joint attacks that can wake a person at night. The ClinicsJo Editorial Team explains its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention in detail.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of sharp uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down compounds called purines found in some foods and in body cells. When its blood level rises chronically, crystals deposit in joints, causing inflammation and severe pain.
Causes and Risk Factors
- High uric acid from overproduction or poor kidney excretion.
- Excess red meat, organ meats, and seafood.
- Alcohol, especially beer.
- Fructose-rich drinks and foods.
- Obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.
- Certain drugs such as diuretics.
- Genetics and male sex.
Symptoms
- Sudden, very severe joint pain, often starting at night.
- The big toe is most affected; the ankle, knee, and fingers can be too.
- Redness, swelling, and warmth of the joint.
- Such tenderness that even a bedsheet is unbearable.
- Attacks last days then ease, recurring over time.
- In chronic stages: lumps under the skin (tophi) and joint deformity.
Gout and Kidney Stones
High uric acid affects not only joints; it can deposit in the kidneys forming painful stones and may harm kidney function long term. Controlling uric acid protects both joints and kidneys.
How Is It Diagnosed?
- Blood uric acid (may be normal during an attack).
- Joint fluid analysis for crystals (most accurate).
- Imaging to assess the joint and tophi.
Treatment
1. Acute Attack
- NSAIDs, colchicine, or steroids in some cases.
- Rest, cooling, and elevation of the joint.
2. Long-Term Prevention
- Uric-acid-lowering drugs (such as allopurinol) for recurrent cases.
- Diet and lifestyle changes.
Medical tip: do not stop uric-acid-lowering drugs once pain eases; they are preventive and taken regularly to stop attacks, joint erosion, and kidney stones. Stopping abruptly can trigger a new attack.
Prevention and Diet
- Reduce red meat, organ meats, and high-purine seafood.
- Avoid alcohol and fructose-sweetened drinks.
- Drink enough water to help the kidneys excrete acid.
- Lose weight gradually and avoid crash diets.
- Eat more vegetables and low-fat dairy.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor at the first sudden, severe joint attack, with recurrent attacks, or if tests show high uric acid. Early treatment prevents chronic joint damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does high uric acid always mean gout?
No, many people have it without symptoms, but persistent elevation raises the risk of attacks and kidney stones.
Can gout be cured?
It is fully controlled with treatment and diet, and patients can live attack-free with adherence.
Are legumes forbidden in gout?
Plant purines are less risky than animal ones; moderation, not total avoidance, is enough.
To assess your condition and plan treatment and prevention, book with a rheumatologist on ClinicsJo.
