Gout
A type of arthritis causing sudden, very painful, swollen joints, often the big toe, due to uric acid crystals.
Quick Summary
Sudden severe pain, redness, heat and swelling in a joint, often the big toe, usually starting at night.
Anti-inflammatory medicines or colchicine for attacks, and long-term urate-lowering medicines such as allopurinol.
High uric acid, alcohol (especially beer), red meat and seafood, sugary drinks, obesity, kidney disease and some medicines.
Overview
Gout happens when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms needle-like crystals in joints, causing intense inflammation.
Attacks often settle within a week or two, but they can come back. Lowering uric acid prevents attacks and joint damage.
Symptoms
Sudden joint pain
Often the big toe, but also ankles, knees, wrists and fingers.
Red, hot, swollen joint
Very tender to touch.
Night-time attacks
Often start overnight.
Tophi
Lumps of crystals under the skin in long-standing gout.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
High uric acid levels (from the body's production or reduced kidney excretion) leading to crystal formation in joints.
Key Risk Factors
- Diet and drink Alcohol, red meat, organ meats, seafood and sugary drinks.
- Medical conditions Obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease and diabetes.
- Medicines Diuretics and low-dose aspirin can raise uric acid.
Management & Treatment
01. Treat attacks
NSAIDs, colchicine or steroids, rest and raising the joint.
02. Lower uric acid
Allopurinol or febuxostat taken long term.
03. Lifestyle
Limit alcohol and high-purine foods, drink plenty of water and lose weight if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat dal and pulses?
Should I stop allopurinol during an attack?
How is gout diagnosed?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Gout(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Gout(opens in a new tab) · NHS