Gout

Gout is a common form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of joint pain. It happens when too much uric acid builds up in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product your body makes when it breaks down certain foods. When levels get too high, sharp crystals form and collect in your joints.

These needle-like crystals trigger intense inflammation, swelling, and pain. The joint at the base of your big toe is the most common spot for gout attacks. However, gout can affect your ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers too. Attacks often start suddenly at night and can last for days or weeks if left untreated.

Gout is one of the most treatable forms of arthritis. Blood tests can measure your uric acid levels and help your doctor diagnose the condition. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, most people can manage their symptoms and prevent future attacks. Early detection through testing helps you address the root cause before joint damage occurs.

• Sudden, intense pain in one or more joints, especially the big toe
• Swelling and redness around the affected joint
• Warmth and tenderness when touching the joint
• Shiny, tight skin over the swollen area
• Limited range of motion in the affected joint
• Pain that starts at night or early morning
• Symptoms that develop quickly over a few hours
• Fever during severe attacks

Some people have high uric acid levels for years without any symptoms. This is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Others may experience only one gout attack in their lifetime, while some have recurring episodes that become more frequent over time.

Gout develops when your body produces too much uric acid or does not remove enough of it through your kidneys. Certain foods high in purines, substances that break down into uric acid, can raise your levels. These include red meat, organ meats, certain seafood, and alcohol, especially beer. Sugary drinks with high fructose corn syrup also contribute to higher uric acid levels. Genetics play a role too, as gout often runs in families.

Several risk factors increase your chances of developing gout. Being overweight puts extra strain on your kidneys and increases uric acid production. Men are more likely to get gout than women, especially between ages 30 and 50. Certain medical conditions raise your risk, including high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome. Some medications like diuretics and low-dose aspirin can interfere with uric acid removal. Dehydration and sudden weight loss can also trigger gout attacks.

Doctors diagnose gout through a combination of blood tests, physical exams, and sometimes joint fluid analysis. A blood test measuring uric acid levels is often the first step. High uric acid in your blood, typically above 6.8 milligrams per deciliter, suggests gout. However, some people with high levels never develop symptoms, while others have attacks with normal levels. Testing inflammatory markers like Interleukin-1 Beta helps identify the inflammation driving gout pain.

Rite Aid offers blood testing that measures uric acid and inflammatory markers through our network of Quest Diagnostics locations. Getting tested twice a year helps you track your levels over time and catch problems early. Your doctor may also check for uric acid crystals in your urine or joint fluid. Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds can show crystal deposits or joint damage in people with chronic gout.

• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling during attacks
• Uric acid-lowering drugs like allopurinol or febuxostat for long-term management
• Colchicine to prevent and treat gout flares
• Corticosteroids for people who cannot take other medications
• Drink 8 to 16 cups of water daily to help flush uric acid
• Limit foods high in purines like red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood
• Reduce alcohol intake, especially beer and liquor
• Avoid sugary drinks and foods with high fructose corn syrup
• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise
• Eat more vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products
• Consider adding cherries or tart cherry juice, which may lower uric acid
• Rest and elevate the affected joint during attacks
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain