GP Pathfinder Clinics
at Hazeldene Medical Centre,
Crest, Eagle Eye and
Chamberlayne Road Surgery

    • Gout

    Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of crystals in your joints. It tends to flare up periodically but can last for longer periods. It causes severe joint pain and swelling.

    While it can be very painful, treatments can help manage the symptoms and prevent further flare-ups.

    What Are the Symptoms of Gout?

     

    Gout typically affects joints at the end of the body, such as toes (especially your big toe), ankles, knees, and fingers. Symptoms include:

    • Severe pain in one or more joint

    • The affected joint feels hot and tender

    • Red, shiny skin over or around the joint – although this may be harder to see on black or brown skin

    • Swelling around the joint

    How Often Do Gout Flare-ups Happen?

     

    Most people who suffer from gout have at least one flare-up a year. Typically flare-ups:

    • Happen at night

    • Last between 3-10 days

    • Develop rapidly over just a few hours

    • Become more frequent over time if left untreated

    What Causes Gout?

     

    Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in your blood. This can cause crystals to form around your joints, causing pain and swelling.

    Anyone can get gout, but some factors can increase your chances of suffering from the condition:

    • Having gout run in your family

    • Drinking alcohol

    • Being overweight

    • Being older

    • Being male, or AMAB

    • Having gone through the menopause

    • Taking medicines such as diuretics (water tablets) or medicines for high blood pressure

    • Having high cholesterol

    • Having high blood pressure

    • Suffering from kidney problems

    What Triggers Gout Attacks?

     

    If you suffer from gout, you may find that some of the following things may trigger an attack:

    • Drinking too much alcohol or eating a large fatty meal

    • Getting an illness that causes a high temperature

    • Being dehydrated

    • Injuring a joint

    How Do You Treat Gout?

     

    There are several ways you can treat gout. These consist of ways to treat the symptoms of gout attacks and preventative measures you can take to prevent your gout from returning.

    What Can You Do if You Get a Gout Attack?

     

    If you’re having a gout attack, there are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

    • Take any medicine you’ve been prescribed

    • Keep the joint cool by applying an ice pack

    • Drink plenty of water

    • Rest and raise the joint, if possible

    • Try to keep sheets or duvets off the affected joint at night

    • Take anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, to reduce swelling and manage pain

    How Do You Prevent Gout Attacks?

     

    There are a few ways to treat gout to reduce the chances of, or even eliminate, gout attacks in the future.


    Lifestyle Choices to Prevent Gout Attacks

    • Eat a healthy balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and avoid processed, sugary or fatty foods

    • Lose weight if you are overweight

    • Reduce your alcohol consumption – try to have a few alcohol-free days per week, and don’t drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week

    • Quit smoking

    • Speak to your GP about vitamin C supplements

    Treatments for Gout

    • Have regular blood tests to check your levels of uric acid

    • If your uric acid levels are high, you may require medicine such as Allopurinol, which reduces your uric acid levels, preventing further attacks

    If you think you are suffering from gout, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a GP about getting treatment and managing your symptoms. If you aren’t yet registered with a doctor, you can do so here at any time.

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