Bones and joints
Gout
Also called gout, uric acid, high uric acid, uric acid problem, toe pain
What this condition is
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the blood. When uric acid levels stay high, tiny sharp crystals can form in a joint, often the big toe, and cause sudden, severe pain. An attack can come on quickly, often at night, and the joint becomes red, hot and very tender. It can be intensely painful, but it is very treatable. By managing your diet, staying hydrated and taking medicines when needed, you can reduce attacks and keep uric acid in a healthy range.
Signs to watch for
- Sudden, severe pain in a joint, often the big toe
- Redness, warmth and swelling of the joint
- The joint feeling very tender, even to a light touch
- Attacks that often start at night
- Discomfort that lingers after the worst pain settles
What to do
- Take your medicines as prescribed during and between attacks
- Drink plenty of water through the day
- Rest and raise the affected joint during an attack
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get your uric acid level checked as advised
What to avoid
- Cut down on red meat, organ meats and certain seafood
- Avoid alcohol, especially beer, and sugary drinks
- Do not skip your long term uric acid lowering medicine if prescribed
- Avoid crash dieting, which can trigger attacks
Ways to feel better day to day
- Replace sugary drinks with water and unsweetened drinks
- Include more vegetables, fruits and whole grains
- Lose weight slowly and steadily if needed
- Keep well hydrated, particularly in hot weather
- Note your triggers so you can avoid future attacks
Speak to a doctor if
- A first attack, so the diagnosis can be confirmed
- A joint that is very hot and swollen with fever, which needs urgent review
- Frequent or worsening attacks
- Hard lumps forming around joints
- Pain not settling with your usual treatment
Your next step
Turn this into a plan that is yours
Everything above is general. Your dose, your targets and your test schedule depend on your age, your reports and the other conditions you live with.
