Gout

Extreme joint pain, swelling, warmth, and skin redness are all classic symptoms of gout, but there are some less common symptoms that can indicate gout as well.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause extreme pain in the joints, most often in the big toe. Learn more about the causes and symptoms of gout.

Common risk factors that increase the chance of developing gout, include diet, age, gender, and alcohol use.

Diagnosing gout can utilize a physical exam, patient interview, joint fluid analysis, blood and urine test, synovial biopsy, ultrasound, tomography, and x-ray.

Lifestyle changes to help prevent gout attacks include diet, exercise, hydration, avoiding alcohol, treating sleep apnea, and avoiding certain medications.

Common gout symptoms include swelling, extreme tenderness, pain (especially at night), reduced joint function, flu-like symptoms, among others.

Without treatment and prevention, gout can become chronic. Treatment aims to manage pain during a flare-up, as well as to prevent future gout attacks.

Hyperuricemia, which means high levels of uric acid, can sometimes lead to gout. It will not lead to gout for everyone, and is not a cause of pseudogout.

Purines are chemical compounds in food known to cause gout. When trying to prevent a gout attack, it is best to avoid foods that contain large amounts of purines.