What causes Gout? 

Gout develops in some people who have high levels of uric acid from the breakdown of purines. These are natural chemicals found in every cell of your body and in many foods, especially red meat, organ meats, certain seafoods, sugary sodas and beer. 

When uric acid builds up, either because the kidneys don’t excrete it the way they should or from consuming too many from a high-purine diet, it can form needle-like crystals that lodge in joints, causing sudden, severe pain and swelling. 

Risk Factors for Gout include:  

• Having high urate levels
• Having a family history of gout
• Being male
• Having menopause
• Increasing age
• Drinking alcohol
• Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda 
• Having an unhealthy diet and eating foods that are rich in purines (usually from animal sources), a substance that breaks down into urate
• Some medical conditions (such as: obesity, kidney disease, high blood pressure)
• Some medications (diuretics, low-dose aspirin)

What are the most common symptoms? 

• Pain: Intense pain in one or more joints, often described as throbbing, crushing, or excruciating  

• Swelling: The joint may feel swollen  

• Redness: The skin over the joint may appear red or purple  

• Warmth: The joint may feel warm to the touch  

• Tophi: Hard lumps that form under the skin, in and around the joints

How is Gout diagnosed? 

Your doctor will examine your painful joint. They will also look for other signs and complications of gout. Blood tests, Ultrasound scan and or joint fluid aspiration may be performed.  

How is Gout managed? 

The good news is, that although gout is very painful, it is extremely treatable. Early diagnosis and treatment to lower uric acid levels are crucial in preventing long-term complications from gout. Depending on the frequency and severity of symptoms and personal preference gout can be managed with medicines and lifestyle changes.

Medications aim to reduce pain, inflammation and lower uric acid level.

• Anti-inflammatories 

• Corticosteroids 

• Urate lowering (ULT) 

Lifestyle Changes:  

• Weight loss 

• Staying active 

• Quit smoking 

• Eating less protein-rich foods such as red meat (beef, pork, lamb and organ meats) 

• Drinking enough water 

• Reducing alcohol intake

What are Gout flares? 

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. 

How to prevent flares: 

• Start treatment for a gout flare as soon as you notice the first signs

• Take medications as prescribed 

• Protect the affected joint

• Have regular blood tests

• Attend follow-up appointments