Symptoms of Gout

Gout typically presents with sudden, intense joint pain. Common symptoms include:

• Severe joint pain, usually starting at night or early morning
• Redness, warmth, and swelling of the affected joint
• Tenderness to touch — even the weight of a bedsheet may be painful
• Limited joint movement due to pain and inflammation
• Tophi — firm lumps under the skin in chronic gout (around joints or ears)
• In chronic cases, kidney stones or renal dysfunction may occur

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:

• High uric acid levels: Due to overproduction or decreased excretion by kidneys.
• Diet: Excess intake of red meat, seafood, sugary drinks, or alcohol (especially beer).
• Obesity: Increases uric acid production and reduces kidney clearance.
• Medications: Certain diuretics or aspirin can raise uric acid levels.
• Genetics: Family history of gout or hyperuricemia increases risk.
• Medical conditions: Kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Diagnosis of Gout

Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical assessment, lab investigations, and sometimes imaging. Key diagnostic steps include:

• Evaluation of symptoms and physical examination of affected joints
• Serum uric acid test (elevated levels may suggest gout)
• Joint fluid analysis — microscopic confirmation of urate crystals
• Ultrasound or dual-energy CT scan to detect urate deposits
• Kidney function tests to assess uric acid clearance

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:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or colchicine) for acute pain relief
• Long-term urate-lowering drugs (Allopurinol, Febuxostat) to prevent recurrences
• Lifestyle modifications — diet control, weight management, hydration, and reduced alcohol intake
• Avoidance of trigger foods (red meat, shellfish, sugary drinks, alcohol)
• Monitoring uric acid levels regularly to maintain target range

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:

• Drink plenty of water to flush uric acid from the body
• Maintain a healthy body weight and balanced diet
• Limit alcohol, especially beer and spirits
• Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Monitor uric acid levels periodically as advised by your doctor

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.