Gout

What is gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis, which is where a joint (or joints) become inflamed, painful, and uncomfortable. 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. 

It may flare up suddenly, often lasting for several days or even weeks, before going back into remission. You may experience recurring attacks, known as chronic gout. 

Who gets gout?

Men over 30 are more susceptible to suffering from gout than women,^[1] and it’s more common amongst older people and ethnic minorities, particularly black people.^[2]

Other factors which can increase the likelihood of gout are:

• obesity;
• eating a diet rich in red meat, organ meats (like liver), or certain seafood;
• 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; and:
• surgery (or if you’ve experienced an injury).  

How common is gout?

Although not especially common, it’s estimated that in 2015-16, gout affected 3.9% of the US population (9.2 million people).^[3] Worldwide, it’s believed that 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 a molecule called 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 that are prone to it, such as toes, ankles, knees, and fingers. The affected joint can suddenly feel hot and very tender, with swelling in and around the area and red, shiny skin over it. It’s accompanied or followed by severe, long-lasting pain.

When an attack of gout occurs, it’s typically sudden and severe. Symptoms normally develop very quickly over a few hours and can last from a few days up to two weeks. 

Can gout lead to other problems?

Almost everyone who experiences gout will at some point suffer from further attacks, usually within a year. These attacks or chronic gout can in turn lead to other problems, in which the joint can become damaged. 

In addition, 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]