OVERVIEW

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling in joints. The most common joint affected is the big toe. Attacks usually come on without warning and can last for days to weeks.

Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys into the urine. But sometimes the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys can’t get rid of it fast enough. When this happens, uric acid can build up, forming crystals in the joints that cause the sudden, severe attacks of gout.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of gout may include the following:

• Intense joint pain.
• Lingering discomfort.
• Inflammation and redness.
• Limited range of motion.

CAUSES

Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines — substances that are found naturally in your body.

Purines are also found in certain foods, including red meat and organ meats, such as liver. Purine-rich seafood includes anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout and tuna. Alcoholic beverages, especially beer, and drinks sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) promote higher levels of uric acid.

TREATMENT

Available treatments we offer:

• Indomethacin
• Naproxen
• Diclofenac
• Steroid-taper
• Colchicine
• Allopurinol