Gout is a painful type of arthritis that causes swelling, redness, and stiffness in the joints — most commonly in the big toe. The condition occurs when uric acid levels in the blood become too high, leading to crystal formation inside the joints. These sharp crystals trigger inflammation and sudden, intense pain known as gout attacks or flare-ups.

An estimated 9 million Americans are affected by gout. While there is no cure, early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and proper treatment can effectively control symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

Symptoms of Gout

Gout attacks often start suddenly, sometimes at night, and can be extremely painful. Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden, intense joint pain

  • Swelling and redness around the affected area

  • Warmth or tenderness in the joint

  • Sensitivity to touch or movement

  • Lingering discomfort even after pain eases

Though gout most often affects the big toe, it can also appear in the ankles, knees, fingers, and wrists.

Causes of Gout

Gout develops due to a buildup of uric acid — a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, substances found in many foods and naturally produced in the body.

Normally, the kidneys filter out uric acid through urine. However, if your body produces too much uric acid or fails to excrete enough, crystals can form in the joints, triggering inflammation and pain.

Common factors that cause uric acid buildup include:

  • Overconsumption of alcohol

  • Eating purine-rich foods (like red meat and seafood)

  • Certain health conditions affecting the kidneys

  • Genetic predisposition

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop gout, but some people are at higher risk. Factors that increase your likelihood include:

  • Being male and over 40 years old

  • Having a family history of gout

  • Suffering from obesity, diabetes, or hypertension

  • Consuming a high-purine diet (red meat, seafood)

  • Drinking alcohol or sugary beverages regularly

How Gout Is Diagnosed

Gout can mimic other types of arthritis, which sometimes makes it challenging to diagnose. Since symptoms come and go, it’s best to visit your healthcare provider during a flare-up for accurate testing.

Your provider may:

  • Review your medical and family history

  • Conduct a physical exam of swollen joints

  • Order diagnostic tests such as:

Blood test: Checks uric acid levels in your bloodstream.
Joint fluid test: Extracts joint fluid to confirm uric acid crystals.
X-ray: Detects joint damage or other causes of pain.
Ultrasound: Identifies uric acid crystal deposits (tophi).
Urinalysis: Evaluates kidney function and uric acid elimination.

In some cases, you may be referred to a rheumatologist, a specialist in joint and bone disorders.

Treatment Options

While gout has no permanent cure, treatment focuses on reducing pain, controlling inflammation, and lowering uric acid levels.

Treatment may include:

  • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen) for pain relief

  • Prescription medications to reduce uric acid (e.g., allopurinol, febuxostat, or pegloticase)

  • Lifestyle modifications, such as:

    • Reducing alcohol intake

    • Drinking plenty of water

    • Eating fewer high-purine foods

    • Maintaining a healthy weight

    • Avoiding pressure on affected joints

    • Applying ice to reduce swelling

How To Prevent Gout Flare-Ups

Preventing gout flare-ups involves similar steps as treatment. By maintaining low uric acid levels and addressing risk factors, you can minimize the frequency of attacks.

To reduce flare-ups:

  • Limit red meat and seafood

  • Stay hydrated with water

  • Exercise regularly

  • Avoid or limit alcohol and sugary drinks

  • Follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan consistently

Complications of Untreated Gout

If left untreated, gout can lead to serious long-term complications, including:

Tophaceous Gout

This late-stage form occurs when large deposits of uric acid crystals — called tophi — form in joints, bones, or under the skin. It can cause chronic pain, deformity, and permanent joint damage.

Kidney Stones

Around 15% of gout patients develop kidney stones due to uric acid buildup. These stones can block urine flow, cause pain, and damage the kidneys over time.

Living With Gout

Living with gout can be challenging, but most people can control symptoms and prevent future attacks with the right care.

Here’s how to manage gout effectively:

  • Stick to your treatment plan and take medications as prescribed

  • Stay active with gentle, low-impact exercises

  • Eat a balanced diet low in purines and sugar

  • Avoid dehydration

  • Work with your doctor to manage other health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes

With proper management, most people with gout can live healthy, pain-free lives while minimizing flare-ups and long-term damage.