What Is Gout?

Gout is a specific type of arthritis that causes inflammation and pain in one or multiple joints.

It often begins suddenly without a warning. The pain can bring you to your knees.

It’s common for a gout attack to occur within the foot and ankle. In fact, the big toe joint is the most common place where gout shows up.

Gout happens when crystals of uric acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, collect in the joint. The joint often becomes red, warm, and swollen.

The average age of onset for gout is between the ages of 30 and 50. Causes of gout include genetics, obesity, certain medications (diuretics), and diets rich in purines (red meat, shellfish, and beer).

We can often diagnose gout simply by the symptoms. X-rays and bloodwork can also aid in the diagnosis.

The good news is that gout is easily treatable with diet modifications and medications that prevent the production and collection of uric acid crystals within the body.

If you have a sudden onset of pain, redness, and swelling — especially if it’s at the big toe joint — don’t wait to have us evaluate it. We can often make the intense pain of gout disappear in a few hours.