Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes painful inflammation in the joints. Usually it affects one joint which is most commonly the big toe. However, it can affect any joint in the body such as the ankles, knees, wrists, elbows and any joints in the hands or finger.

Symptoms of gout usually develop rapidly and usually start at night. The joint may then start to feel normal again with any pain or discomfort eventually disappearing . However, most people who get gout will have further attacks in the future.

The symptoms of gout are caused by an above normal level of urate in the bloodstream, which builds up and forms crystals, mainly in and around joints and especially in the finger and toe joints. This can lead to intensely pain and inflammation.

There are several factors that can increase the level of blood urate. These include a diet rich in purines (which form urate when broken down) such as red meat, seafood and some other foods; excess alcohol consumption; the use of certain medicines such as diuretics; a family history of gout; kidney disease; and overweight or obesity.

Gout affects about 1% of the population and is more common in men, particularly those aged 30 to 60, and in women who have already experienced the menopause.

Overview

Feature Articles

Latest Gout News and Research

Groundbreaking discovery offers hope for patients suffering from toxic epidermal necrolysis

Groundbreaking discovery offers hope for patients suffering from toxic epidermal necrolysis

Genetics identified as key factor in gout development

Genetics identified as key factor in gout development

Insulin resistance linked to 31 diseases and higher early death risk in women

Insulin resistance linked to 31 diseases and higher early death risk in women

Beer and cider significantly raise gout risk for both sexes, but men are more affected

Beer and cider significantly raise gout risk for both sexes, but men are more affected

Different types and sources of carbohydrate found to be protective against gout

Different types and sources of carbohydrate found to be protective against gout

Study links blood markers to long-term cardiovascular risk in women

Study links blood markers to long-term cardiovascular risk in women

Clonal hematopoiesis identified as new risk factor for atherosclerosis

Clonal hematopoiesis identified as new risk factor for atherosclerosis

Probenecid shows promise for easing opioid withdrawal symptoms in new study

Probenecid shows promise for easing opioid withdrawal symptoms in new study

New smart mask monitors breath for real-time health analysis

New smart mask monitors breath for real-time health analysis

Diverse genetic data illuminates health disparities across populations

Diverse genetic data illuminates health disparities across populations

UCLA investigators receive $800,000 grant to treat and prevent aggressive kidney cancer

UCLA investigators receive $800,000 grant to treat and prevent aggressive kidney cancer

3D-printed wearable health monitor tracks biochemicals in sweat

3D-printed wearable health monitor tracks biochemicals in sweat

Study shows healthy plant-based diets lower gout risk, unhealthy diets raise it

Study shows healthy plant-based diets lower gout risk, unhealthy diets raise it

Exploring the role of iodine in obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions

Exploring the role of iodine in obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions

Discovering the on-switch for rare genetic inflammatory diseases

Discovering the on-switch for rare genetic inflammatory diseases

Gout not just for Victorians: 1 in 40 Brits have this extremely painful disease

Gout not just for Victorians: 1 in 40 Brits have this extremely painful disease

Study uncovers 23 new genetic markers linked to kidney health on the X-chromosome

Study uncovers 23 new genetic markers linked to kidney health on the X-chromosome

Combining ezetimibe and bempedoic acid effectively lowers cholesterol in statin-intolerant patients

Combining ezetimibe and bempedoic acid effectively lowers cholesterol in statin-intolerant patients

Scientists unveil 3D structure of key immune system component

Scientists unveil 3D structure of key immune system component

Study finds doubled risk of fractures in patients with acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis

Study finds doubled risk of fractures in patients with acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis

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