Gout

Gout is a common type of arthritis. The symptoms of gout include painful swelling and inflammation in one or more of the joints. Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can develop in any joint in the body.

Uric acid

Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced during the process of metabolism (when the body breaks down food to use as energy). Usually, uric acid is expelled (excreted) by the kidneys.

People whose kidneys do not excrete uric acid properly, or those who produce too much uric acid, can have high levels of uric acid in their blood. If the level of uric acid in the blood becomes very high, crystals form in the joints. The crystals cause the joints to become inflamed and painful.

How common is gout?

Gout is one of the most common types of arthritis that affects men.

Gout can affect women, although men are three to four times more likely to develop it than women.

In men, the symptoms of gout usually begin between 40 and 60 years of age. In women, the symptoms begin later, usually between 60 and 80 years of age.

Risk factors for gout include:

• drinking alcohol (particularly beer)
• a diet that is high in purines (a type of acid found in certain foods, such as red meat and seafood)

Treatment for gout involves relieving the symptoms of pain and trying to prevent further episodes. This is done using a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. See Treatment for gout for further information.

Outlook

The outlook for gout is good as long people use their medication as directed and make the recommended lifestyle changes, such as changing their diet and reducing their consumption of alcohol.

Over time, many people reduce their uric acid levels sufficiently so that they no longer experience any symptoms.