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Gout
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What Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Who is at Risk?
Resources and Suggestions
More Information About Gout
Información
en Español
What Is It?
Gout (gowt) causes sudden, severe attacks of pain and tenderness, redness, warmth, and
swelling in some joints. Usually affects one joint at a time -- often the big toe.
What Are the Symptoms?
Episodes develop very quickly, and the first episode often occurs at night. Episodes
may be caused by:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating too much of certain foods
- Surgery
- Sudden, severe illness
- Crash diets
- Joint injury
- Chemotherapy
What Causes It?
Gout results from a build-up in the body of too much uric acid, which forms crystals
that deposit in joints and cause inflammation. Uric acid is a substance that normally
forms when the body breaks down waste products called purines. Gout can be inherited or
happen as a complication of another condition.
Who Is At Risk?
Mostly men over age 40, but it can affect anyone of any age. Women with gout usually
develop it after menopause.
How Is It Diagnosed?
- Physical exam and medical history.
- Blood tests to measure uric acid.
- Joint fluid test to check for presence of uric acid crystals.
Treatment Options
- Diet
- Medications: Colchicine, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, Probenecid, Sulfinpyrazone
- Surgery (rare)
More
Information About Gout
Resources and Suggestions
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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