Gout
Overview
Gout is a form of arthritis. Arthritis means pain and swelling in the joints, like your toes, ankles, knees, or fingers.
In gout, the body has too much uric acid. Uric acid is a natural waste from breaking down substances called purines, which are found in your body and in some foods and drinks. When there is too much uric acid, tiny, sharp crystals can form in the joints. These crystals cause sudden, very strong pain, warmth, redness, and swelling called a gout flare.
Gout is common in adults and can be long term if uric acid stays high. The good news is that gout is one of the most treatable types of arthritis when it is found early and treated well.
Common Signs And Symptoms
- Joint Pain Swelling And Stiffness
- Sleep Disruptions And Night Sweats
- Painful Nodules Or Lumps
- Bone Pain And Deformities
- Difficulty Balancing Walking And Standing
Types of Gout
Doctors may talk about different “phases” or types of gout:
- Gout flares (acute gout)Sudden, very painful attacks in one or more joints. The pain often starts at night or early morning and can feel severe, even from the touch of a bedsheet.
- Intercritical goutThe quiet time between flares. You may feel normal, but uric acid can still be high and crystals can still be in the joints.
- Chronic gout or chronic gouty arthritisWhen gout is not treated over time, flares can happen more often. More joints can be involved, and there can be ongoing pain and stiffness, not just during flares.
- Tophaceous goutOver many years, crystal deposits can build up under the skin. These firm lumps are called tophi. They often show up on fingers, toes, elbows, or ears and can damage joints if uric acid is not well controlled.
- High uric acid without symptoms (asymptomatic hyperuricemia)Some people have high uric acid in the blood but no pain yet. This is not the same as gout, but it can be a warning sign and a chance to prevent future problems.
Diagnosis Journey
Everyone’s path is a little different, but here is what the diagnosis journey may look like:
Treatment Options
Treatment for gout usually has two main goals:
- 01Treat and prevent flares
- 02Lower uric acid over time to dissolve crystals and protect joints
Your plan might include:
Treating Flares
During a flare, the focus is on easing pain and swelling.
- 03NSAIDs(Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs)such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- 04Colchicinea medicine that can reduce pain and swelling from gout flares
- 05Corticosteroidslike prednisone, taken by mouth or injected into the joint to reduce inflammation
Your doctor will choose what is safest for you, based on other conditions like high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease.
Lowering Uric Acid (Long Term Treatment)
To prevent future flares and help crystals dissolve, many people need long term urate lowering therapy:
- 06Allopurinolor febuxostat These medicines help your body make less uric acid. They are often the first choice for long term gout treatment.
- 07Probenecid and other uricosuricsThese medicines help the kidneys remove more uric acid through urine.
- 08PegloticaseA medicine given through a vein (IV) that breaks down uric acid. It is usually for people with severe, hard to treat gout who did not respond to standard medicines. Studies show that pegloticase can help some patients reach gout remission when used with other medicines.
Newer and future medicines are being studied to help more people reach target uric acid levels and reduce flares.
Ongoing Research
Current Research Studies
There are over 375 clinical studies actively recruiting participants with gout. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov to find gout research studies near you.
Research & Resources
