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Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain. Painkillers can help the pain and healthier lifestyle choices can prevent future attacks.
The main symptoms of gout are:
An attack of gout usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks if left untreated. If you do not get treatment, future attacks may last even longer. Leaving gout untreated may cause lasting damage to joints.
You have a sudden pain and swelling in a joint and:
These symptoms could mean you have an infection inside your joint and need urgent medical help.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
The GP may ask about your diet and if you drink alcohol if you have symptoms of gout.
They may also do a test to measure how much uric acid is in your blood. Uric acid is a chemical that can lead to crystals forming around your joints which cause pain.
If the test is still unclear, a GP may refer you to see a specialist (rheumatologist) and arrange further tests.
This could include taking a sample of fluid from inside the affected joint, using a thin needle. If this test cannot be done or the diagnosis is still unclear, then a scan will be arranged.
Attacks of gout are usually treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), like ibuprofen.
If the pain and swelling does not improve you may be given steroids as tablets or an injection.
Gout can come back every few months or it may be years. It can come back more often if it's not treated.
If you have frequent attacks or high levels of uric acid in your blood, you may need to take uric acid-lowering medicine.
It's important to take uric acid-lowering medicine regularly, even when you no longer have symptoms.
If you're having a gout attack, there are things you can do to relieve the pain:
take any medicine you've been prescribed as soon as possible – it should start to work within 2 days
rest and raise the limb
keep the joint cool – apply an ice pack, or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes at a time
drink lots of water (unless a GP tells you not to)
try to keep bedclothes off the affected joint at night
do not put pressure on the joint – this can make the pain feel worse
Gout is caused by having too much uric acid in your blood. This can lead to crystals forming around your joints, which causes pain.
It sometimes runs in families.
It's more common in men, especially as they get older.
You might have a higher chance of getting gout if you:
You might get a gout attack if you:
Get treatment immediately if you feel an attack starting.
Making healthy lifestyle choices may mean you can stop or reduce further gout attacks:
try to lose weight if you are overweight, but avoid crash diets
eat a healthy diet – your doctor may give you a list of foods to include or limit
have some alcohol-free days each week – try not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week
drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated
exercise regularly – but avoid intense exercise or putting lots of pressure on joints
try to quit smoking
ask a GP about vitamin C supplements
do not have lots of sugary drinks and snacks
If you get repeated attacks of gout over a long period of time (chronic gout), and are not treated it can lead to:
