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Gout (Uric Acid Arthritis)

Severe painful attacks caused by the deposition of excess uric acid in the blood as crystals in the joint.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Gout (Uric Acid Arthritis)?

Gout is a metabolic disease characterized by acute inflammatory arthritis attacks resulting from the deposition of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals in joints and surrounding tissues due to uric acid levels above normal (hyperuricemia) in the blood.

Acute gout attacks usually start at night; the first toe, ankle, or knee joint shows extreme redness, swelling, and pain that cannot tolerate touch. Between attacks, the patient is completely well.

Chronic gout progresses with tophi (subcutaneous urate deposits), chronic arthritis, kidney stones, and urate nephrolithiasis. It is also associated with cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms

Sudden severe joint pain starting at night
Marked redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint
Tenderness that cannot tolerate touch
Involvement of the first toe metatarsophalangeal joint in particular
Fever and general malaise (during acute attack)
Complete recovery between recurrent attacks
Tophi formation in the chronic phase

Risk Factors

Male sex and middle-to-advanced age
Diet high in purines (red meat, seafood, organ meats)
Alcohol consumption (especially beer)
Diuretic and aspirin use
Kidney failure
Obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • At the first acute attack for definitive diagnosis
  • When attacks become frequent (more than 2 per year)
  • When tophi formation is noticed
  • In cases of suspected kidney stones or kidney dysfunction
  • To start or adjust uric acid-lowering therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Acute attack: colchicine, NSAIDs, or corticosteroid
02
Dietary regulation: purine restriction, drinking plenty of water
03
Uric acid-lowering therapy: allopurinol, febuxostat
04
Avoidance of alcohol and diuretic use
05
Weight control and management of metabolic risk factors
06
Tophi surgery (in case of functional impediment or infection)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.