Rheumatology treats musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases, including arthritis, lupus, gout, and vasculitis.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain, swelling, and tenderness in joints. Originating from the Latin gutta (“drop”), it was once thought to be fluid falling into joints. Historically known as the “disease of kings,” we now know this condition can affect anyone.
It is a metabolic disorder caused by body chemistry imbalances involving excess uric acid. Sharp crystals form in your joints, causing intense inflammation and severe pain often described as fire.
It is vital to distinguish gout from other health issues.
Also, gout is strictly a metabolic and inflammatory condition. It is distinct from structural abnormalities. For example, it is not like congenital issues or various types of heart defects where the organ structure is formed incorrectly at birth. Gout is a condition that develops over time due to body chemistry.
To understand the disease, you must understand uric acid. Your body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines. Purines are substances found naturally in your body. They are also found in certain foods, such as steak, organ meats, and seafood. Other foods promote higher uric acid levels, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose).
Normally, uric acid dissolves in your blood and passes through your kidneys into your urine. But sometimes your body either produces too much uric acid or your kidneys excrete too little. When this happens, uric acid can build up, forming sharp urate crystals in a joint or surrounding tissue that cause pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Gout is often felt in the big toe, but it is a systemic disease. This means it involves several parts of the body.
Gout progresses through four clinical stages: Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid), Acute Gout (sudden inflammation), Interval Gout (dormant periods), and Chronic Tophaceous Gout, characterized by permanent joint damage and visible crystalline deposits called tophi.
Gout is significant in the medical field for several reasons. First, it is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men. It affects millions of people globally.
Second, it acts as a warning sign. Gout is often visible proof of metabolic syndrome. If a patient has gout, doctors know to check for other serious conditions. These include obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Treating gout often improves a patient’s overall health profile, not just their joint pain.
Because gout affects different body systems, several medical specialists may be involved in care.
Who gets gout? It is more common in men than in women. Men are more likely to develop it earlier, usually between the ages of 30 and 50.
Women generally develop signs and symptoms after menopause. This is because estrogen helps the kidneys excrete uric acid. After menopause, estrogen levels drop, and uric acid levels rise. It is rare in children.
There is a misconception that gout is only caused by diet. While diet plays a role, genetics is very important.
Medications: Certain water pills (diuretics) used for blood pressure can increase uric acid levels.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Gout cannot be “cured” in the sense that it disappears forever without management. However, it can be effectively controlled. With the right medication and lifestyle changes, uric acid levels can remain low. This prevents future flares and dissolves existing crystals.
You should avoid foods high in purines. This includes red meat (beef, lamb, pork) and organ meats (liver, kidneys). You should also avoid shellfish like shrimp and lobster. Sugary drinks and alcohol, especially beer, are also major triggers.
During an acute attack, walking is not recommended. You should rest the joint and keep it elevated to reduce swelling. Once the attack is over, moderate exercise like walking is very good. It helps with weight loss, which lowers uric acid levels long-term.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms slowly over time at the base of the big toe. It is usually painless unless shoes rub against it. Gout happens suddenly. The joint becomes hot, red, and extremely painful within hours. A doctor can confirm the difference with a blood test or fluid sample.
Yes, staying hydrated is crucial. Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys filter uric acid from your blood. It also dilutes the uric acid, making it less likely to form crystals. Aim for 8 to 16 cups of fluids a day, mostly water.
Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
