Gout occurs when uric acid stays high in the blood over a long period, until it crystallises into tiny granules that build up in the joints and the surrounding tissues. When the body reacts to these crystals, it causes severe, sudden inflammation. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of "purines," which come both from within the body and from the food we eat. If the body produces too much of it, or the kidneys excrete too little, the uric acid level rises.
Symptoms of gout
The hallmark symptom is joint pain that comes on quickly and severely, often starting at night or in the early morning.
- Sudden joint pain with swelling, redness, warmth and marked tenderness — sometimes even the touch of a blanket hurts
- Usually starts at the base of the big toe, but it can affect the ankle, knee, wrist or finger joints
- It usually affects a single joint at first, and can ease on its own within 3–10 days even without treatment
- If left untreated for a long time and flaring frequently, it can lead to lumps (tophi) and permanent joint damage
Factors that trigger a flare
In addition to an underlying high uric acid level, there are triggers that can set off a flare of joint inflammation.
- High-purine foods — animal organ meats, vegetable shoots, concentrated bone broth, and certain types of seafood
- Alcoholic drinks, especially beer, and drinks high in fructose sugar
- Excess weight, dehydration, fasting, and certain medications
Self-care to reduce flares
Drinking enough water helps the kidneys excrete uric acid more effectively. Controlling your weight, choosing a varied but moderate diet, cutting down on alcohol and sweet drinks, and taking your medication as prescribed regularly will help keep the condition well controlled over the long term.
Care and treatment
Treatment has two parts: relieving pain during an acute flare of joint inflammation, and controlling uric acid levels over the long term to prevent flares. Medication should be used under a doctor's guidance — you should not buy painkillers or uric-acid-lowering medicines and adjust the doses yourself.
- Drink enough plain water every day to help excrete uric acid
- Cut down on high-purine foods, organ meats, vegetable shoots and beer
- Control your weight and manage co-existing conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol
- Take your medication continuously as prescribed — do not stop on your own even when you are pain-free
- Have follow-up blood tests for uric acid level and kidney function as scheduled
At Doctor Chat Clinic, care is provided by a doctor, with health check-ups, blood tests for uric acid level and kidney function, and symptom follow-up — helping to diagnose and plan gout care tailored to each person, to reduce flares and protect the joints over the long term.
Warning signs that need prompt medical attention
- Severe joint inflammation with marked swelling and redness, together with a fever or a suspected joint infection
- Pain in several joints at once, or flares that become more and more frequent
- Lumps over the joints, fingers or ears, or joints starting to become deformed
- Signs of kidney stones, such as severe flank pain or blood in the urine