Gout
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What is Gout?
Gout is a painful type of inflammatory arthritis caused by high uric acid levels in the blood. When uric acid builds up, sharp urate crystals form in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain and swelling—most commonly in the big toe.
Gout can cause joint damage, chronic pain, and kidney problems if left untreated. Gout is highly treatable with medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
What are the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Gout?
Gout attacks (flares) often occur suddenly and severely, typically at night. Symptoms include:
- Severe Joint Pain, Swelling and Redness – Most often affects the big toe (podagra) but can also impact the ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists.
- Sudden Flares – Intense pain that peaks within 4-12 hours.
- Lingering Discomfort – After the worst pain subsides, the joint may feel sore for days to weeks.
- Limited Mobility – Severe flares can make walking or moving the affected joint difficult.
- Tophi (Advanced Gout) – Hard uric acid deposits that form under the skin, often around the fingers, elbows, or toes.
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The Complete Gout Management and Nutrition Guide: Empowering Strategies for Better Health
How is Gout Diagnosed?
Diagnosing gout requires a combination of clinical evaluation, lab tests, and imaging:
- Sudden Joint Pain & Swelling – Flares lasting hours to days, often in the big toe, ankles, or knees.
- Physical Examination – Checking joint tenderness, swelling, and redness.
- Blood Tests
- Serum Uric Acid Levels – Elevated uric acid (>6.5 mg/dL) may indicate gout, but some people with gout have normal levels during an attack.
- Inflammatory Markers (CRP, ESR) – These may be elevated during flares.
- Joint Fluid Analysis (Gold Standard Test) – After fluid is obtained from the joint, the uric acid crystals are identified under a microscope.
- Imaging (X-rays, Ultrasound, CT Dual Energy Scan)
- Ultrasound detects early urate crystal deposits.
- X-rays show joint damage in chronic cases.
- CTDE will identify the deposits of uric acid in the joints
Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent future flares and joint damage.
What Are Our Treatment Options for Patients with Gout?
At Rheumatologist OnCall, our approach to gout care focuses on:
Medications
Acute Gout Attack Treatment:
- NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Indomethacin) – Reduce pain and inflammation.
- Colchicine – Helps stop flare-ups quickly.
- Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Injections) – Used when NSAIDs or colchicine aren’t suitable.
Long-Term Uric Acid Control:
- Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors (Allopurinol, Febuxostat) – Reduce uric acid production.
- Uricosurics (Probenecid, Lesinurad) – Help the kidneys remove uric acid.
- Pegloticase (Krystexxa) – IV treatment for severe, refractory gout.
Lifestyle & Holistic Approaches
- Gout-Friendly Diet Plan – We help patients follow a low-purine, anti-inflammatory diet through our online course and coaching program.
- Hydration & Weight Management – Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce uric acid levels.
- Supplements – Vitamin C, Tart Cherry Extract, and Magnesium may help lower uric acid levels.
- Exercise & Physical Therapy – Low-impact activities can improve mobility and reduce flare frequency.
- Mindfulness & Stress Reduction – Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation and flare-ups.
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Watch More About Gout
Why Choose Rheumatologist OnCall for Your Gout Care?
At Rheumatologist OnCall, we offer expert, personalized, and convenient care for gout and other inflammatory arthritis conditions. Our approach is different because we provide:
Expert Rheumatologists
Board-certified specialists with years of experience in treating gout.
Virtual & In-Person Consultations
Skip long wait times and get care from the comfort of your home or visit our clinic in Irvine, CA.
Holistic & Whole-Body Treatment
We integrate evidence-based medicine, lifestyle modifications, and precision medicine to prevent flares and long-term damage.
Fast & Affordable Access
Direct access to specialists without insurance barriers.
Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent future flares and joint damage.
Frequently Asked Questions about GOUT
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The quickest ways to stop a gout attack include:
- Take NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen) at the first sign of an attack.
- Use Colchicine if prescribed by your doctor.
- Apply ice packs to the swollen joint.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out excess uric acid.
- Rest and elevate the affected joint.
High-purine foods can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout flares. Avoid:
- Red meats (beef, lamb, pork)
- Organ meats (liver, kidney, sweetbreads)
- Seafood (anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, tuna)
- Sugary drinks & alcohol (especially beer and liquor)
- Cherries & Berries – Contain antioxidants that help lower uric acid.
- Low-fat dairy – May reduce gout risk.
- Whole grains & vegetables – Fiber helps regulate uric acid metabolism.
- Water – Staying hydrated flushes excess uric acid from the body.
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Yes, gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis, but it differs from RA or osteoarthritis because it is caused by urate crystal buildup rather than an autoimmune or degenerative process.
Yes, while gout commonly starts in the big toe, it can also affect:
- Ankles
- Knees
- Wrists & Fingers
- Elbows
Untreated gout can cause:
- Chronic joint damage & deformities (Tophaceous Gout).
- Kidney stones & kidney damage.
- Frequent, more severe flare-ups.