ARTHRITIS
Pain, Stiffness, Swelling? What Could it Be?
Pain, Stiffness, Swelling?
What Could it Be?
Who Gets
Gout?
More info
What Is
Gout?
More info
When to See
Your Doctor or
Rheumatologist
More info
Right-Track
Treatment
More info
Top
Lifestyle Tips
More info
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What Is Gout?
Too much uric acid in your bloodstream turns into crystal deposits in joints or soft tissues, causing painful inflammation.
The most common site is the big toe, but fingers, knees and hips can also be affected.
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Who Gets Gout?
Gout is more common in men ages 30 to 45 and women over 55.
Risk factors for gout are:
A family history of gout
Taking diuretics, aspirin or cyclosporine
High blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or some forms of anemia
Being overweight
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When to See Your
Doctor or Rheumatologist
See your doctor if you get a sudden attack with intense pain, swelling, redness and warmth especially in a big toe.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have a fever or sign of infection. People with diabetes are likely to get an infection with gout.
Don’t delay - over time thick deposits can develop and lead to deformities.
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Right-Track Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe allopurinol, which cuts uric acid production, or colchicine to stop white blood cells from attacking crystals.
Cut calories, especially from fat, and increase daily exercise.
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Top Lifestyle Tips
Drink plenty of water.
Skip sugary beverages.
Increase complex carbohydrates and low-fat dairy products.
Avoid foods high in purines, like turkey, bacon, organ meat, scallops, trout and alcohol, which increase uric acid.
