Gout
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid (urate) levels in the blood are unusually high.
This can happen when our bodies make too much uric acid, or our kidneys cannot get rid of the uric acid quickly enough.
The excess uric acid forms tiny urate crystals, often inside small joints like the big toes, ankles, fingers or wrists. These crystals irritate the joint causing swelling and pain. This is called a gout flare (attack). Even after the flare settles, if crystals stay in the joint, there is always a risk of future flares.
How is gout diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose gout based on your symptoms and if you have urate crystals found in your joints.
Symptoms of gout:
A flare is usually the first sign of gout. Symptoms can happen very quickly, often overnight.
Symptoms of a gout flare include:
– Joint pain, redness, heat and swelling that can be painful to touch
– Difficulty walking or moving the joint.
Do certain foods trigger a gout flare?
Yes, some foods high in purines may trigger a flare. Purines are chemicals found naturally in the body and in many foods, we eat and drink. Our bodies turn some purines into uric acid.
What can I expect after a gout diagnosis?
Understand your condition.
Learn about gout, its symptoms, triggers, and ways to manage it.
Speak with your healthcare team.
Talk to your doctor about your treatment options, and any other health conditions you have. Some people may need to be referred to a rheumatologist, a doctor who treats arthritis.
Start taking medicine to lower uric acid levels.
Gout is a lifelong condition that can be controlled with a medicine you take everyday.
Ongoing management.
Keep track of your symptoms, diet and any triggers you find. Take your medicine daily and see your health professional if your flares aren’t improving with treatment.
Quality Use of Medicines Alliance
Helping consumers and health professionals make safe and wise decisions about medicines and diagnostics. Funded by the Australian Government through the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology Program.
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