Gout

Gout causes pain, inflammation and swelling in the joints.

In this article:

• What is gout?
• Gout signs & symptoms
• Gout diagnosing
• Gout risk factors
• Gout treatment & management
• Gout prevention

What is gout? 

Gout is caused by a build up of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product normally excreted by the kidneys. The body makes uric acid by breaking down purines, a natural substance found in the body and in certain foods.

For people with gout the body does not get rid of the extra uric acid and it builds up forming small crystals in the joints.

Gout signs & symptoms

An attack of gout usually occurs suddenly, often overnight. Symptoms of gout include intense pain in the joint. Gout often affects the big toe causing the joint to become red, sore and painful very quickly. Gout can also occur in the feet, knee, hands, wrists, and elbows.

Symptoms of gout can include chills and fever. Attacks of gout can last for up to a week. 

Gout diagnosing

Gout is diagnosed by finding crystals of uric acid in the fluid around the joint. A doctor may use a needle to draw up fluid from the joint. Other tests include a urine test to see how well the kidneys are excreting uric acid and a blood test to check levels of uric acid. Results from blood tests can be misleading. High levels of uric acid in the blood do not necessarily mean a person has gout. Blood tests can indicate joint infection or other types of arthritis.

If a person experiences sudden pain, swelling and inflammation of a joint they should see their doctor. Any symptoms accompanied by fever could indicate infection. Always seek medical attention promptly. 

Gout risk factors

Gout occurs more commonly in men between 40 and 50 and runs in some families.
The high levels of uric acid in the body associated with gout can be influenced by a number of factors including:

•  Genetics
•  Drinking alcohol
•  Dehydration
•  Fasting
•  Certain foods
•  Obesity
•  Use of diuretics (water tablets)

Gout treatment & management

There is no cure for gout but it can be prevented and kept under control. An attack of gout can last up to a week when the pain subsides and the joint returns to normal. Gout is treated with medications to reduce swelling, inflammation and pain.

There can be long periods of time between attacks of gout. Treatment of gout may include taking medication daily to prevent uric acid building up in the joints.

If not managed properly attacks can happen more frequently, get worse over time and lead to joint damage.

It is important to detect gout early on as possible long-term complications of gout include:

• Chronic discomfort and inflammation of the affected joints
• Tophi- deposits of uric acid crystals appearing as small nodules under the skin of the ears, fingers, hands, and elbow
• Kidney stones

Gout prevention

Prevention of gout includes making lifestyle changes such as:

•  Drinking plenty of fluids
•  Avoiding crash dieting or sudden changes in weight
•  Limiting alcohol intake

For some people avoiding foods high in purine helps reduce the severity of gout attacks, it is not however scientifically proven.
Purines are found in a number of foods including liver, shellfish, sardines and beer. Anyone considering making changes to their diet should talk to a doctor or dietitian. 

Helpful resources

• For information about gout and to download more detailed facts sheets visit Arthritis Australia or call Arthritis Australia on 
  1800 011 041. 

References
Arthritis Australia Information Sheet
Gout
Accessed 21/07/08

NIH SeniorHealth
Gout
Accessed 21/07/08