What is gout?
General information only. This article explains the basics and is not medical advice. For anything about your own health, talk to a doctor or other qualified professional.
Quick answer
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It happens when too much uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in a joint, most often the big toe. This causes sudden attacks of intense pain, swelling, redness and heat, often starting at night.
Uric acid is a normal waste product your body makes when it breaks down substances called purines, found in your own cells and in some foods. Usually your kidneys get rid of it. If the body makes too much or the kidneys remove too little, levels rise and crystals can form.
What an attack is like
- Pain that comes on suddenly, often overnight
- A joint that is hot, swollen, red and very tender, so even a bedsheet can hurt
- Attacks that usually settle within one to two weeks
The big toe is the classic spot, but gout can also affect the ankles, knees, feet, wrists, elbows and fingers.
Who gets gout?
| Risk factor | Notes |
|---|---|
| Being male | Men are more likely to get it, often from middle age |
| After menopause | Risk rises in women |
| Family history | Gout often runs in families |
| Other conditions | Such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity |
| Diet and drinks | Lots of alcohol (especially beer), sugary drinks, red meat and some seafood |
Common triggers
Attacks can be set off by drinking alcohol, eating a large rich meal, dehydration, an injury, or illness. Some medicines can raise uric acid too.
Getting help
Gout is very treatable. A doctor can confirm it, sometimes with a blood test or by testing fluid from the joint, and explain options both for easing attacks and for preventing future ones. It’s important to see a doctor, because repeated attacks without treatment can damage joints and lead to lumps of crystals under the skin called tophi.
Gout is linked to heart and blood vessel health. Read what hypertension is.
Sources
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