Is gout caused by eating too much rich food?

While diet plays a role, gout is primarily caused by the body's inability to properly process uric acid. High-purine foods can trigger flares, but genetic factors and kidney function are the most important determinants.

Can gout affect joints other than the big toe?

Yes, gout can affect the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Over time, without treatment, gout can involve multiple joints simultaneously.

Does gout go away permanently?

Gout is chronic, but with proper urate-lowering therapy and lifestyle changes, flares can be completely prevented. The goal is to lower uric acid below the crystal formation threshold.

MusculoskeletalICD-10: M10Affects approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States

Gout

Also known as: Gouty Arthritis, Crystal Arthritis

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. It causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. With proper management including medication and dietary modifications, gout flares can be prevented and joint damage avoided.

Symptoms

Intense joint pain, often starting in the big toe

Swelling and redness around the affected joint

Warmth and extreme tenderness of the joint

Limited range of motion in the affected joint

Peeling or itching skin as the flare resolves

Tophi (hard lumps of uric acid deposits) in advanced cases

Causes

Hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid in the blood)
Overproduction of uric acid by the body
Decreased kidney excretion of uric acid
Deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints

Risk Factors

Male sex
Obesity and high-purine diet (red meat, organ meats, shellfish)
Excessive alcohol consumption, especially beer
Chronic kidney disease
Certain medications (diuretics, low-dose aspirin)
Family history of gout

Diagnosis

Joint fluid analysis showing urate crystals under polarized microscopy
Serum uric acid level measurement
X-ray to rule out other conditions and detect joint damage
Dual-energy CT scan to detect urate deposits
Ultrasound showing double contour sign

Treatment

Colchicine or NSAIDs for acute flare management
Corticosteroids for patients who cannot tolerate NSAIDs or colchicine
Urate-lowering therapy: allopurinol or febuxostat
Uricosuric agents (probenecid) to increase uric acid excretion
Pegloticase infusions for severe, refractory gout
Dietary modifications to reduce purine intake

Prevention

Limit intake of high-purine foods
Reduce alcohol consumption, especially beer and spirits
Stay well hydrated with water
Maintain a healthy weight
Take urate-lowering medications consistently if prescribed

When to See a Doctor

You experience sudden, severe joint pain and swelling
Joint pain is accompanied by fever
Gout flares are becoming more frequent
You notice hard lumps (tophi) forming around joints

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Kidney Stones

Urological

Chronic Kidney Disease

Urological

High Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular

Knee Pain

Musculoskeletal

Related from the Supplement Library

Vitamin C

Strong

Vitamin · Immune support and white blood cell function

Turmeric

Strong

Herb · Reduces systemic inflammation (NF-κB pathway)

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

Strong

Fatty Acid · Cardiovascular health (TG reduction, anti-arrhythmic)

These supplements have been studied in relation to Gout. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.

Have questions about Gout?

Ask Mother Nature AI for personalized, evidence-based guidance.

Ask about Gout

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Content reviewed against peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines. Read our editorial standards.