Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in your joints, usually as flares that last for a week or two, and then resolve.
Gout flares often begin in your big toe or a lower limb. Gout happens when high levels of urate build up in your body over a long period of time, which can then form needle-shaped crystals in and around the joint. This leads to inflammation and arthritis of the joint. When the body makes too much urate or removes too little, urate levels build up in the body. However, many people with high levels of serum urate will not develop gout.
Areas of the body that can be affected by gout include:
Gout is a disease that can move through several stages:
Many people develop gout. It is more common in men than in women. Gout usually develops in middle age. Women usually do not develop gout before menopause, which is why women tend to develop the disease at a later age than men. Less frequently, younger people develop the disease; however, if they do, the disease tends to be more severe.
Gout flares usually occur in one joint and can be triggered by certain foods, alcohol, certain medications, physical trauma, or certain illnesses. Flares typically get better over a week or two, and in between, you usually don’t have symptoms. Some people may have frequent flares, while others may not have another flare for years. However, over time, if left untreated, your flares may happen more often and last longer.
If gout is untreated over long periods of time, tophi can develop. A tophus is the buildup of needle-shaped crystals that cause hard lumps to form under the skin, in and around the joints and other organs. Tophi start out as painless; however, over time, they can become painful and can cause bone and soft tissue damage and misshapen joints.
Some people with gout may be more likely to have or develop other conditions or complications, especially with the heart and kidneys. Common conditions include:
Gout happens when urate, a substance in your body, builds up and forms needle-shaped crystals in your joints. This leads to pain, swelling, redness, and changes in the movement and use of the affected joint. However, not everyone with high urate levels develops gout.
Researchers continue to study how genes and environmental factors contribute to a buildup of urate in your blood. However, certain factors may increase your chances of developing gout, including:
Some health conditions may increase your risk of developing gout, such as:
Some medications can increase your risk of developing gout, such as:
Gout tends to be relatively straightforward to diagnose. However, a few conditions can mimic gout. To help diagnose gout, your health care provider may:
Depending on your symptoms and the cause of your gout, treatment plans may differ from person to person. However, the goals for treating gout are the same for each person and include:
When you have gout, your doctor may recommend medications to manage the underlying cause of gout and treat active gout flares.
To treat a gout flare, your doctor may recommend medications including:
Corticosteroids, which can help decrease inflammation, provide pain relief, and reduce joint swelling. Corticosteroids may be given by mouth or injected directly into the affected joint. Because they are potent medications, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible to achieve the desired benefit.
Another key step to treating gout is managing hyperuricemia, which is the underlying cause of gout. There are medications available to lower urate levels, including:
Other treatments may include making diet and lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors you can control.
Health care providers who may provide treatment for gout include:
There are many things you can do to help manage gout. You can make some lifestyle changes to help you have fewer gout flares and manage your symptoms, such as:
Always talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medications.
Source:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Gout.
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/gout
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This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your condition.
