Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints, usually as flares that last for a week or two, and then resolve. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which can then form needle-shaped crystals in and around the joint, leading to inflammation and arthritis of the joint. Gout most commonly affects the joint at the base of the big toe, but it can also occur in other joints in the body, such as the ankle, midfoot, knee, fingers, wrists, and elbows.
The main symptom of gout is a sudden attack of severe pain in one or more joints, typically the big toe, which can be accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected joint. Gout attacks can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. Gout symptoms may come and go, but there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent flares.
To diagnose gout, a doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and order lab tests, such as joint fluid analysis, to detect urate crystals or imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, to rule out other reasons for joint pain and inflammation. Treatment for gout may include medications to lower uric acid levels, such as allopurinol or febuxostat, and medications to relieve pain and inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicine. Making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding high-purine foods and limiting alcohol consumption, can also help manage gout symptoms and prevent flares.
