Gout is a form of arthritis that typically affects the big toe but can also involve other joints. It can be acute or chronic. Acute gout usually affects one joint and doesn’t recur, while chronic gout is recurrent and may affect multiple joints. If left untreated, chronic gout can damage joints, tendons, and tissues, leading to loss of motion and severe pain. Gout is more common in men and postmenopausal women.

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Causes of Gout

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which leads to the formation of hard salts that build up in the joints, causing inflammation. In some cases, the body produces too much uric acid, while in others, it has difficulty removing it. However, high uric acid levels do not always cause gout, and many people with elevated uric acid never develop the condition.

Your risk of developing gout increases if you:

  • Are overweight
  • Drink large amounts of alcohol
  • Eat too much meat and fish, which contain purines (a chemical compound that metabolizes into uric acid)

Symptoms of Gout

Gout symptoms usually appear at night. The most common symptom is a sharp, throbbing pain in the big toe or other joints like the ankle or knees, often accompanied by redness and swelling.

Some people experience only one gout attack in their lifetime, while for others, it can become chronic and recur intermittently. Subsequent attacks typically last longer.

Treatment of Gout

If you have gout, it is important to rest the affected joint. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help reduce swelling, but avoid aspirin, as it may increase uric acid levels in the blood.

For severe or recurrent symptoms, consult a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe stronger NSAIDs, painkillers, or in some cases, corticosteroid injections. Proper treatment can provide relief within a day.

For chronic gout, medications may be prescribed to reduce uric acid buildup. Additionally, dietary changes can help prevent future attacks. It is recommended to eat a variety of healthy foods, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid foods high in purines, such as meat, seafood, asparagus, spinach, kidney beans, mushrooms, gravy, and yeast.