Gout: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Gout: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

A Patient-Friendly Guide by Dr. Anurag Aggarwal – Pain & Gout Specialist (Indirapuram / Vasundhara / Vaishali / Noida)

What Is Gout?

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid levels stay high for a long time, tiny urate crystals form and settle inside joints. These sharp crystals trigger sudden episodes of severe pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, usually beginning at night.

As a pain medicine specialist, we see about 4–5 new gout patients every month in our OPD — most commonly middle-aged individuals with lifestyle or metabolic risk factors.

Not everyone with high uric acid (hyperuricemia) develops gout, but consistently high levels increase the chances of painful attacks, joint damage, kidney stones, and formation of Tophi (chalky urate deposits under the skin).

Symptoms of a Gout Attack

A gout flare typically:

  • Starts suddenly, often at night
  • Involves one joint at a time (commonly big toe, ankle, knee)
  • Causes intense pain that peaks within 12–24 hours
  • Leads to swelling, redness, warmth, and extreme tenderness
  • Improves gradually over a few days to weeks — even without treatment

Patients with chronic gout may also develop:

  • Tophi (painless lumps filled with urate crystals)
  • Kidney stones
  • Higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease

Who Is at Higher Risk of Gout?

Gout is more common in:

  • Men between 30–45 years
  • Women after 55 years
  • People with family history of gout
  • Individuals with metabolic or lifestyle triggers

Medical & Lifestyle Risk Factors

  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Drinking alcohol regularly (beer, whiskey, rum, vodka)
  • Eating large amounts of red meat, organ meat, seafood
  • Excess intake of sugary drinks (especially high fructose corn syrup)
  • Using certain medicines like diuretics

 

How Gout Is Diagnosed

Since many conditions can cause joint pain, diagnosing gout requires a combination of:

  1. Clinical Examination

Sudden, severe pain in a single joint — especially if there is a history of high uric acid — strongly suggests gout.

  1. Blood Tests

Uric acid levels may be checked but can be normal during an acute attack, so results need careful interpretation.

  1. Synovial Fluid Analysis (Gold Standard)

A small amount of fluid is withdrawn from the affected joint and examined for urate crystals — this confirms the diagnosis.

 

Treatment of Gout

Managing gout involves two goals:
1️Quickly control pain and inflammation during a flare
2️ Long-term reduction of uric acid to prevent future attacks

 

Managing an Acute Gout Attack

For fast relief:

  • Start an anti-inflammatory medicine ASAP
  • Rest and elevate the joint
  • Apply ice packs
  • Stay hydrated (avoid alcohol and sweetened drinks)
  • Book an appointment with your doctor

Medications for Acute Attacks

  • NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, indomethacin) – first-line for reducing pain and swelling
  • Corticosteroids – taken orally or injected into the joint
  • Colchicine – effective if taken early; may cause stomach upset

 

Long-Term Management: Reducing Uric Acid

To prevent repeated gout attacks, medications may be prescribed:

  • Allopurinol – decreases uric acid production
  • Febuxostat – an alternative for those who cannot tolerate allopurinol
  • Lesinurad – helps remove uric acid; used along with allopurinol/febuxostat
  • Pegloticase – IV therapy for severe, treatment-resistant gout

Regular follow-ups and monitoring are essential.

 

Diet & Lifestyle Tips for Gout Patients

✔ Foods to Include

  • Skim milk & low-fat dairy
  • Whole grains
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Plant oils (olive, canola, sunflower)
  • Citrus fruits
  • Adequate water intake

❌ Foods to Avoid

  • Red meat & organ meats (liver, tongue, sweetbreads)
  • Seafood (especially shellfish)
  • Sugary drinks
  • Excessive alcohol

 

When to Consult Your Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • First-ever episode of severe joint pain
  • Recurrent gout attacks
  • Swelling that does not improve
  • Side effects from medications
  • Symptoms of kidney stones (flank pain, blood in urine)

 

Clinic & Contact Information

Dr. Anurag Aggarwal
Pain, Spine & Gout Specialist
Address: [Insert full clinic address – Indirapuram / Vasundhara / Vaishali / Noida]
Helpline / Appointment Number: [9717236321]
Google Map Link: [ https://share.google/dKyE1ihLg8j1D7cz0]
Clinic Timings: [6-8 pm Monday -Saturday]

 

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