Also known as big toe arthritis, uric acid arthritis.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals collecting in a joint — classically the big toe — producing sudden attacks of severe pain, redness and swelling. Attacks often follow heavy meat or alcohol intake. It is very treatable, and long-term medicines can prevent attacks entirely.
Symptoms
Sudden, severe pain in a joint, often the big toe
Joint redness, heat and swelling
Pain often starting at night
Skin over the joint appearing shiny
Extreme tenderness — even a bedsheet hurts
Hard lumps (tophi) near joints in long-standing disease
Causes & risk factors
High uric acid levels in the blood
Diet heavy in red meat, organ meat and alcohol (especially beer)
Obesity, hypertension and kidney problems
Certain medicines, including some diuretics
Family history
Treatment & self-care
Attacks are settled with prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines, rest and ice on the joint. If attacks recur, doctors prescribe daily urate-lowering tablets to keep uric acid down and dissolve crystals. Cutting back on red meat, sugary drinks and alcohol, drinking more water and losing excess weight all reduce attacks.
See a doctor urgently if
A hot, swollen joint with fever (infection must be ruled out)
Attacks happening more than once or twice a year
Pain not settling with prescribed treatment
Lumps forming around joints or ears
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Gout?
Early signs often include sudden, severe pain in a joint, often the big toe, joint redness, heat and swelling, pain often starting at night. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Gout be treated?
Attacks are settled with prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines, rest and ice on the joint. If attacks recur, doctors prescribe daily urate-lowering tablets to keep uric acid down and dissolve crystals. Cutting back on red meat, sugary drinks and alcohol, drinking more water and losing excess weight all reduce attacks.
When should I see a doctor about Gout?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: a hot, swollen joint with fever (infection must be ruled out); attacks happening more than once or twice a year; pain not settling with prescribed treatment; lumps forming around joints or ears.