Gout

What is gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis, which is where a joint (or joints) become inflamed. The affected joint becomes hot, red and swollen.

Generally, it only affects one joint at a time (usually your big toe) but it can impact other joints such as your feet, hands, wrists, elbows or knees too. It may flare up suddenly, often lasting for several days or even weeks, before going back into remission. It’s an extremely painful and uncomfortable condition and you may experience recurring attacks, known as chronic gout.

It can be eased or prevented using medication. But avoiding foods which are high in purines (so sugary drinks like sodas, seafood such as scallops, meats including liver and alcohol), exercising regularly and losing weight can also help.

Who gets gout?

Men are more susceptible to suffering from gout than women, and it’s more common amongst older people. Other issues which can contribute towards the onset of gout can include obesity and diet. ^[1] Ethnicity can also be a contributing cause, with a higher prevalence of gout amongst ethnic minorities, particularly black people. ^[2]

Other factors which can increase the likelihood of gout are:

• genetics
• alcohol consumption
• women who have been through the menopause
• taking medicines such as diuretics (water tablets) or medicines for high blood pressure (i.e. ACE inhibitors)
• medical conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney problems, osteoarthritis or diabetes
• surgery (or if you’ve experienced an injury).

How common is gout?

Although not especially common, it’s estimated that gout affects between 1 and 2% of the UK population. Men over 30 are most likely to be the main sufferers, as well as women who have gone through the menopause. ^[3] Worldwide, it’s believed as many as 6% of the population is affected at one time or another.

What causes gout?

Gout is triggered by the build-up of uric acid in the blood. If too much uric acid is produced or the kidneys cannot filter it out, it begins to accumulate and form tiny sharp crystals in and around the joints, causing them to become inflamed (swollen and red) and painful.

Certain foods which contain purines, including red meat, seafood, alcoholic drinks and sweetened drinks (which have fructose in them) can trigger higher levels of uric acid too.

What are the symptoms of gout?

Any joint can be affected by gout, although it’s often the ends of the limbs which are prone to it, such as toes, ankles, knees and fingers. When an attack of gout occurs, it’s typically sudden and severe. The affected joint can suddenly feel hot and very tender, with swelling in and around the area and red, shiny skin over the affected joint. It’s accompanied or followed by severe, long lasting pain.

Symptoms normally develop very quickly over a few hours and can last from a few days up to two weeks. Afterwards the pain will usually subside and the joint should return to normal.

Can gout lead to other problems?

Almost everyone who experiences gout will at some point suffer from further attacks, usually within a year. These subsequent attacks or chronic gout can in turn lead to other problems, in which the joint can become damaged. In addition, urinary (kidney) stones are found in 14% of gout sufferers. Other, more severe complications associated with gout are chronic kidney disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and other heart problems. ^[1]