Gout

Overview

Gout is a metabolic arthritis caused by elevated blood uric acid that crystallizes in joints, causing recurrent attacks of red, swollen, hot and severely painful joints—often the big toe. It may also cause tophi and kidney stones.

Symptoms

• Red swollen joints
• Severe pain
• Joint stiffness
• Fever
• Tophi
• Night-time attacks

Treatment

Acute attacks are treated with NSAIDs, colchicine or corticosteroids; during remission, urate-lowering drugs (e.g. allopurinol, febuxostat) control uric acid, alongside a low-purine diet and plenty of fluids.

Dietary advice

Low-purine diet avoiding organ meats, seafood, rich meat broths and beer. Drink plenty of water to promote uric acid excretion and control body weight.