Overview
Gout is caused by uric acid crystals forming in a joint. It often affects the big toe. With treatment, attacks can be prevented and joint damage avoided.
Symptoms
- Sudden, severe pain in a joint, often at night
- Swelling, redness and heat
- Extreme tenderness, even to a light sheet
- Firm lumps (tophi) under the skin in long-term gout
Causes and risk factors
Risk factors include high uric acid, obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease, alcohol especially beer, sugary drinks, red meat and seafood, and some medicines such as water tablets.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, a uric acid blood test and sometimes fluid taken from the joint.
Treatment
Attacks are treated with anti-inflammatory medicines, colchicine or steroids. Long-term medicines such as allopurinol lower uric acid. Diet and weight changes help.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for a sudden painful swollen joint. Seek urgent care if you also have a fever.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
