Gout is a type of arthritis. It happens when too much uric acid (urate) builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in and around the joints. It affects around 1 in 40 adults in the UK and is more common in men.
Symptoms
A gout attack (also called a flare) usually comes on quickly, often at night. The joint becomes:
- very painful, so that even a bed sheet touching it hurts
- hot, swollen and red
It most often affects the big toe, but can affect the feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrists and elbows. Over time, lumps of crystals called tophi can form under the skin.
What raises the risk?
- family history
- being overweight
- kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease
- some medicines, such as water tablets (diuretics)
- drinking alcohol, especially beer and spirits
- sugary drinks and a diet high in red meat, offal and some seafood
Getting diagnosed
A GP will usually diagnose gout from your symptoms and a blood test to measure urate, which is best done a few weeks after a flare. Sometimes fluid is taken from the joint to look for crystals.
Read about gout treatment.
Common questions
Is gout caused by diet?
Diet plays a part, but it is not the main cause for most people. Genes, kidney function, weight and some medicines matter more. Long-term medicine is usually needed to stop attacks.
Does gout go away?
A flare usually settles within 1 to 2 weeks. Without treatment to lower urate, flares often come back and can damage joints over time.
Sources we used
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