Overview
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid can form needle-shaped crystals in a joint, causing sudden, intense pain, redness and swelling, often in the big toe.
With treatment to lower uric acid, many people have fewer or no flares over time.
Watch and learn
Video: “What is Gout? An Introduction to Gouty Arthritis (1 of 6)” from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “Gout - Mayo Clinic” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Symptoms
- Sudden, severe joint pain, often at night
- Red, hot, swollen joint, commonly the big toe, ankle or knee
- Tenderness so strong that even a sheet hurts
- Firm lumps under the skin (tophi) in long-standing gout
Causes and risk factors
- High uric acid from genetics, kidney function or diet
- Alcohol (especially beer), sugary drinks, red meat and shellfish
- Some medicines, such as certain diuretics
- Obesity, high blood pressure and kidney disease
How it is diagnosed
- Joint fluid test: crystals seen under a microscope confirm gout
- Blood tests: uric acid level (can be normal during a flare), kidney function
- Imaging: ultrasound or dual-energy CT can show crystal deposits; X-rays for joint damage
Treatment, step by step
Treatment is tailored to you. Medicines are described here in general terms; your rheumatologist will explain the specific options, benefits, risks and monitoring for your situation.
Lifestyle and self-care
Limiting alcohol and sugary drinks, staying hydrated and reaching a healthy weight may help.
Disease-modifying medicines (DMARDs and biologics)
Flares are treated with NSAIDs, colchicine or corticosteroids. Long-term urate-lowering medicine such as allopurinol may prevent flares.
Joint injections and infusions
A corticosteroid injection may help a single flaring joint. Some people with hard-to-treat gout receive an infusion medicine. Infusions are currently given at a partner hospital; in-office infusions at GSMC are planned. Call 732-202-3000 for details.
Referral and team care
Care may be coordinated with your primary care physician or kidney specialist.
What to expect at GSMC
- Your first visit: a rheumatologist reviews your symptoms, history and medicines and examines your joints, skin and other areas.
- Tests: blood tests and imaging, as needed, to confirm the diagnosis and check how active the disease is.
- Your plan: we explain your options, including lifestyle steps and medicines, and how each is monitored.
- Follow-up: regular visits and lab checks to adjust treatment over time.
Shahzad Hussain, MD sees rheumatology patients in Brick, Toms River and Whiting. Call 732-202-3000 to schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to avoid all meat?
Not necessarily. Moderation and a balanced diet usually help more than strict avoidance.
Why did my flare start after beginning allopurinol?
Flares can happen early in urate-lowering treatment; your rheumatologist may add a preventive medicine.
Is gout only in the toe?
No. It can affect many joints.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.