Gout
Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated uric acid levels in the blood, leading to the formation of sharp urate crystals in the joints. These crystals trigger sudden episodes of severe pain, swelling, and redness — most often affecting the big toe, but also ankles, knees, and other joints.
Gout can be acute or chronic and is highly treatable with early diagnosis and proper medical management. Lifestyle modification combined with medication can effectively prevent recurrent attacks and long-term joint damage.
Symptoms of Gout
Gout typically presents with sudden, intense joint pain. Common symptoms include:
Causes & Risk Factors
Gout occurs when uric acid levels in the blood rise above normal, leading to crystal deposition in joints. Factors that increase the risk include:
Diagnosis of Gout
Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical assessment, lab investigations, and sometimes imaging. Key diagnostic steps include:
Prompt diagnosis is vital to control acute attacks and prevent chronic complications such as joint deformity or kidney stones.
Treatment & Management of Gout
Gout treatment focuses on relieving pain during acute attacks and preventing future flare-ups by controlling uric acid levels. Management includes:
With proper care, gout can be effectively managed, allowing patients to lead a normal, pain-free life.
Lifestyle & Prevention Tips
Adopting healthy habits can greatly reduce gout attacks and long-term complications:
Why Choose Dr. Aditi Patankar Deshpande for Gout Treatment?
Dr. Aditi Patankar Deshpande provides expert and evidence-based management of gout and other arthritis conditions. With her experience in rheumatology and metabolic joint diseases, she focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized therapy, and lifestyle guidance — helping patients achieve long-term relief, prevent recurrences, and maintain joint health.