Quick answer
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain, swelling and redness in a joint — often the big toe. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid forming crystals in the joint. Attacks can be treated and, with the right care and sometimes long-term medication, future attacks can be prevented.
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden attacks of severe joint pain. It happens when a substance called uric acid builds up in the blood and forms tiny, sharp crystals in and around a joint, triggering intense inflammation. Gout is more common in men and becomes more likely with age.
Symptoms
A gout attack typically comes on quickly, often during the night, with:
- sudden, severe pain in a joint — frequently the big toe
- swelling and redness
- warmth, with skin that looks shiny
- extreme tenderness, so that even a light touch is painful
Attacks can last from a few days to a couple of weeks and may come back.
What causes it
Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid. This can be influenced by diet (such as red meat, seafood and sugary drinks), alcohol, being overweight, certain medicines, kidney problems and a family history of gout.
Treatment
Gout has two parts to treatment. During an attack, medicines are used to reduce pain and inflammation, alongside resting and raising the joint and applying ice. To prevent future attacks, lifestyle changes help, and for people with frequent attacks a GP may prescribe a daily medicine that lowers uric acid over time.
Reducing future attacks
Keeping to a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and moderating alcohol can all reduce the chance of attacks. A GP can confirm the diagnosis, treat attacks and set up a longer-term plan if needed.
Common questions
- What causes gout?
- Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form sharp crystals in a joint. High uric acid can be linked to diet, alcohol, being overweight, some medicines, kidney problems and family history.
- What does a gout attack feel like?
- An attack usually comes on quickly, often overnight, with intense pain, swelling, redness and warmth in the affected joint. The big toe is commonly affected first. The skin over the joint can be so tender that even light touch hurts.
- How is a gout attack treated?
- Attacks are treated with medicines to reduce pain and inflammation, alongside resting and raising the joint and using ice packs. A GP can advise on the right medicine for you and how quickly to start it.
- Can gout be prevented?
- Yes. Lifestyle changes — such as a balanced diet, reducing alcohol, keeping to a healthy weight and staying hydrated — help. For frequent attacks, a GP may prescribe a daily medicine that lowers uric acid levels to prevent future attacks.