Gout

Gout, a painful form of arthritis, occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body. Excess uric acid can form crystals that accumulate in the joints — often the big toe — causing pain and swelling. Symptoms may flare suddenly and then disappear for long periods of time.

Anyone can develop gout, but men experience it more often than women. While there’s no cure for gout, medications and lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms and stay active.

Symptoms of gout

Gout typically affects one joint at a time. You may experience:

• Redness
• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Warm skin

Diagnosing gout

• History and physical exam — Your physician will ask about your symptoms and look for physical signs of gout. These include tophi, which are deposits of uric acid crystals in the skin or bones.
• Blood tests — High levels of uric acid in your blood may be a sign of gout.
• Imaging tests — An X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan may show changes to a joint that can occur due to gout.
• Joint fluid analysis — Your physician may obtain a sample of fluid from the affected joint and analyze it for uric acid crystals.

Treatments for gout

• Medications — Several types of drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, can reduce symptoms during a gout flare. When symptoms lessen, other medications help decrease uric acid in the blood with the goal of preventing future flares.
• Dietary changes — Your body produces uric acid from purines — compounds found in red meat, liver and shellfish. Avoiding these foods, along with alcohol and sugary foods and drinks, may help prevent symptoms.
• Physical activity — Regular exercise improves overall health and, when combined with a healthy diet, can help you lose weight. That’s important because excess weight increases pressure on the joints.