About arthritis Conditions Gout What is gout? Who gets gout? What causes gout? What are the symptoms of gout? What are the phases of Gout? How is gout diagnosed? How do I control my gout? How can I avoid a gout attack? How is gout treated? Download our Living with Gout booklet What is gout? Gout is a very painful form of arthritis. It is a long term, chronic condition that, if not properly managed, can affect you for your whole life. Typically, a first gout attack, or flare, will appear in your big toe, although it can also affect your: Knees Ankles Elbows Hands Wrists The affected area will be red, swollen and extremely painful. Usually, the flare will start in the middle of the night and can last for 6-10 days. Gout is a progressive condition. This means that if you have had one attack, you are likely to have more, increasing in severity over time. Untreated, these attacks can lead to joint and bone destruction, deformities or disabilities, which can greatly affect your quality of life. Gout is also linked to other medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some heart diseases. Like these conditions, the correct treatment and lifestyle choices are key to preventing serious long-term effects. Back to top Who gets gout? Gout has been a well-known and documented condition for over 2,000 years. It is popularly depicted as a ‘disease of kings’ with those affected stereotyped as overweight, middle aged men who indulge in a lavish lifestyle of rich food and wine. In fact, gout can affect anyone, and risk factors vary. Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in adult men. It can occur at any age, although it rarely affects children. While less common, it also affects women, usually after the menopause when hormone levels change. The risk of developing gout for both men and women increase with age. While diet greatly affects the management of your gout, and contributes to attacks or flares, your individual genetic and biological make-up plays a large role in why you develop the condition in the first place. It is common for gout to occur in families, and this can be a factor in why some people are more at risk than others. Some other health problems, in particular chronic kidney disease, can also make you more prone to developing gout. Your kidneys play a very important role in managing gout and maintaining properly functioning kidneys is very important to your overall health. It is estimated that up to 1 in 40 people are affected by gout. Back to top What causes gout? Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in your blood. Your body produces uric acid in order to break down substances called purines. Purines occur naturally in your body, but you also get them in certain foods and drinks, for example: Red meat Offal (kidneys, liver, intestines etc.) Shellfish Alcoholic beverages (especially beer) Sweetened soft drinks Some people have high serum (blood) uric acid levels a never get symptoms. However, if you are prone to developing gout, deposits of needle-like 'urate crystals' will start to form in your joints, most usually the big toe. Your body sees these crystals as intruders and tries to deal with them by sending millions of white blood cells to the site. This, in turn, sets off pain and inflammation. When you have been diagnosed with gout, your doctor may take regular blood samples to measure your 'serum uric acid' levels. This is a measure of how much uric acid is in your blood. Persistent levels over 360μmol/L (micromoles per litre) can lead to the formation of crystals and gout attacks. Back to top What are the symptoms of gout? Gout attacks generally occur without warning, usually in the middle of the night, when your joints are colder. Local trauma, such as someone stepping on your toe in heels, can also lead to a flare. The big toe is commonly affected, but it may also occur in your ankles, hands, wrists, knees or feet. Symptoms occur suddenly, with severe pain and inflammation. Your joint can be warm to the touch and any pressure may be unbearable. The pain will increase in strength, becoming most severe within 12 to 24 hours from the start of the attack. Without treatment, your flare will probably resolve within 6-10 days, however, if you go to your doctor early you will be given medications that can significantly reduce this time. If this is your first gout attack, the pain may reduce rapidly and eventually go away entirely. However, as gout progresses, attacks may take longer to treat and there can be a lingering pain for days or even weeks after. NOTE: Some medications can have an effect on serum uric acid levels, leading to gout attacks. You should check with your doctor that all your prescriptions are appropriate to use if you have gout. Back to top What are the phases of gout? Gout is a progressive condition with four separate, but connected, phases. How you might personally progress through these phases depends on many factors, such as what stage you were diagnosed at and how you are treated. The phases are: 1. Asymptomatic (without symptoms) hyperuricemia Many people have high uric acid, or hyperuricemia, without ever developing gout. However, a high serum uric acid reading over a long period of time is an indicator that gout may be a problem in the future. 2. Acute gout, or acute gouty arthritis This is a classic gout attack or flare, as described previously. This can be for several reasons, such as a rapid increase or decrease in serum uric acid, a local injury, an alcohol binge or eating too much meat or shellfish. Medications you have been prescribed for other conditions may also be a factor. Some people may only ever experience one gout attack or flare. For others, uncontrolled serum uric acid levels can lead to frequent attacks, with the time between them shortening as the condition progresses. 3. Intercritical gout This is the period of time between attacks when you may experience no pain at all. However, even when an acute gout attack is over, the crystals that caused the problem are still present and it is important that they be treated. 4. Advanced or chronic tophaceous gout Advanced or chronic gout can take up to 10 years or more to develop. By this stage, you will have substantial deposits of urate crystals in joints throughout your body. Some of these may even have grown large enough to be seen on the surface of your skin. These are known as tophi. Underneath these tophi, an x-ray or scan may show joint destruction which can be irreversible. Unlike earlier, when you may have had little pain between attacks, by this stage some people may experience almost constant discomfort and significant loss of quality of life. The goal of treatment is to avoid this advanced phase if at all possible. However, if you are already at this stage, certain medications can still help reverse damage and improve your long-term health. Back to top How is gout diagnosed? Gout is usually diagnosed in one of two ways: 1. Your doctor has observed and treated you for one or more typical attacks as outlined under ‘What are the symptoms of gout?’, and is confident to make a clinical diagnosis. 2. In some cases, your doctor may want to rule out any other joint conditions and decide to send you to hospital for further tests. This will involve removing fluid from your joint with a very fine needle and syringe and examining it under a microscope. Occasionally a doctor may also use ultrasound or x-rays to confirm their diagnosis and to check for any long-term damage to bones. IMPORTANT During a gout attack, the uric acid levels in your blood can be below their normal levels, for this reason, it is recommended that your doctor checks your blood concentration after the flare is finished for a more accurate reading. Back to top Back to top What can I do to control my gout? A first gout attack can be a shock and may occur without any warning symptoms or apparent lifestyle risk factors. Gout seldom exists on its own and may be related to, or affected by, many other conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Unlike these conditions, however, gout lets you know it is there in a loud and painful manner! This can be a good thing - the symptoms are so extreme; it may be the wake-up call you need to start taking more care of your overall health. The following is some general advice, however the first place to start is with your doctor or nurse, who will be able to give you practical guidance on your individual needs and refer you to an expert who can help if necessary. Watch your weight Being overweight has many negative health implications. An above average Body Mass Index (BMI >25), especially with excess weight around the waist and stomach, has been linked to an increased risk of gout. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. There are many calculators available on the internet that will help you measure yours. Before embarking on a programme to lose weight, you should always consult with your doctor. In relation to your gout, there some additional factors you need to consider: Avoid rapid weight loss – it can increase your uric acid levels and lead to gout attacks. A slow and steady loss of 1 or 2 pounds (0.5 kg or 1 kg) per week is recommended. Avoid high protein (Atkins style) diets - many high protein foods are high in purines which cause an increase in uric acid levels and gout attacks. Increase your activity levels The message is simple – move more. Gentle moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling, golf, gardening, even housework will all help your general fitness and reduce the chance of gout attacks. Strenuous muscular exercises should be avoided until your gout is under control as they may put pressure on your joints. Again, your doctor will advise on what is best for you. Look after your kidneys Your kidneys have a hugely important role in the processing of uric acid and excreting it from your body. This is why people with chronic kidney disease sometimes also develop gout. Maintaining healthy kidneys is extremely important not only for your gout but for your overall health. In addition to all the other advice in this section, your kidneys specifically will benefit if you: Cut back on salt Drink enough water Limit your alcohol intake Increase your physical activity Lose weight if you are overweight Quit smoking Take all medications you are prescribed for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or type 2 diabetes exactly as prescribed by your doctor Keep ‘your numbers’ within the recommended ranges for control of these conditions Safe drinking guidelines A standard drink is: One pub measure of spirits (35.5ml) One small glass of wine (12.5% volume) – a bottle contains about seven standard drinks A half pint of normal beer One alcopop (275ml bottle) Safe drinking guidelines are: Up to 11 standard drinks per week for women and Up to 17 standard drinks per week for men Binge drinking can lead to a sudden gout attack and it is advised that you have at least three completely alcohol-free days per week. For more information about safe drinking, go to www.drinkaware.ie Watch what you drink: Do - Drink enough water Staying hydrated is extremely important for everybody. When you have gout, it is even more important as dehydration can cause a gout attack. Water is the best form of hydration, and you should try to get into the habit of carrying a bottle with you wherever you go, particularly in hot weather or when exercising. Tea and coffee also contribute to your daily intake, however too much caffeine can be dehydrating. Don’t - drink too many sugary drinks Drinking anything containing fructose, such as fizzy drinks, can increase your risk of a gout attack. Choose diet or zero options. This will also help with weight control. Don’t - drink too much alcohol Although, as discussed earlier, drinking too much alcohol is not the only reason you might get gout, and indeed many non-drinkers suffer from the condition, it is an important contributing factor for gout attacks. Watch what you eat: As discussed earlier, gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in your blood. Your body produces uric acid in order to process purines. Purines are found in different quantities in different foods. Controlling uric acid levels in your blood is the key to controlling gout, therefore controlling your purine intake will help you manage your gout. When you are diagnosed with gout, your doctor may suggest that you see a dietician. A dietician can advise you on an eating plan that will take into account any other conditions you may have such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes. They will also advise on what is reasonable for you and your lifestyle. Cutting out purines completely may not be practical or desirable and may not benefit your overall health to any great extent. Having said that, we can break down the general dietary recommendations for gout into two broad categories: Food and beverages to limit: Red meat, especially offal, e.g. liver, kidney Shellfish or oily fish Alcohol, especially beer and spirits Sugar-sweetened soft drinks and juices Excessive fruit intake Food and beverages that may, in moderation, have a beneficial effect: Slimline milk and other low-fat dairy products Purine-rich vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower Grains, such as porridge and cereals Legumes such as peas, beans, nuts and lentils Coffee Back to top How can I avoid getting a gout attack? Keep your URIC ACID down As discussed previously, many medical conditions have a target - you can monitor how well you are controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes when your doctor tells you a particular measurement is within the normal ranges. Gout also has a target – that of your serum uric acid level, the amount of uric acid in your blood. It is easy to remember – 360μmol/l – 360, a full circle. If you can keep your uric acid at or below 360umol/l, you will be less likely to experience flares and long-term effects can be limited or eliminated altogether. As previously mentioned, for more severe cases of gout, your doctor may aim for a target below 300μmol/l for a period of time to dissolve significant deposits of urate crystals. Watch out for triggers Over time, you will get to know what your potential triggers or a gout flare are. It can be anything which upsets the normal balance of your body, including: Dehydration Surgery Under eating Overeating Use of medicines for other conditions Chemotherapy An alcoholic binge Immobility Keep taking the tablets It sounds very basic, but it really can be hard to get into a routine of taking your tablets on a daily basis, especially if you feel quite well. However, if your doctor has prescribed a long-term treatment for you it is because you need to take it in order to keep your uric acid levels under control. Remember, gout is very treatable and taking your tablets correctly can dramatically improve your symptoms. Many people find it useful to: Set a daily reminder on your watch or mobile phone Keep tablets where you can see them as part of your daily routine, e.g. on a bathroom shelf or on a bedside cabinet Link taking your tablets to a daily routine like cleaning your teeth, so keep the tablets next to your toothbrush If you have several tablets to take, it may help to buy a pill box and divide them into days. Your pharmacist may offer a similar service. Back to top What should I do when I get a gout attack? You have probably already taken the first step – speak to your doctor. Remember gout is a very common condition, possibly affecting 1 in 40 people, so your doctor will have seen it all before. The longer you leave it, the more pain you are likely to suffer and the greater risk of long-term damage to your joints and future mobility. During a gout attack or flare, you can ease the symptoms by doing the following: Rest the affected joint as much as possible Place an ice pack on the affected area. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Don’t let ice touch your skin directly. A pack of peas wrapped in a towel is ideal Take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor Take all other medication as prescribed Avoid any unnecessary contact with the joint If your toe is affected, try wearing larger shoes or Crocs® – sandals may leave you more vulnerable to knocks Bedding may be a problem at night – duvets are generally lighter than blankets but sometimes even sheets can irritate. Ask your doctor or nurse about special guards to stop bed sheets touching your feet Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol Talking to your doctor: Whether your visit is specifically related to your gout or not, it is a good idea to use it to discuss your gout management, general lifestyle and any potentially related issues. For example, you could ask questions such as: How does the treatment you have prescribed help my gout? How often should I be taking my treatment? What should I do if I miss a dose? What should I do if my symptoms are not relieved when taking gout medication? Will my gout medication interact with any other treatments I am taking? Will any of my current medications increase my level of uric acid? If so, are there any alternatives I can take? What is my uric acid level? Is my uric acid level below or above my target? A solid understanding of your condition and a good relationship with your doctor is essential not only to managing your gout, but your overall health in general. Keep a gout diary: The purpose of this diary is to allow you to monitor your condition. Added to this, a diary of this kind will greatly help your doctor to better tailor your gout treatment in order to lessen the disease's effects on your life. The diary is split into two sections: Gout attacks monitoring The first section allows you to record some vital information about your gout attacks, such as how long they last and how painful they are. If gout is treated correctly, the time between flares should increase, while the level of pain during the attack should reduce. This information will be very valuable to your doctor. Serum uric acid (sUA) monitoring The second section of the diary allows you to monitor your serum uric acid levels, which will be measured by your doctor by a simple blood test. As discussed previously in this booklet, gout like many other chronic conditions has a target related to it. The serum uric acid (sUA) target level for people with gout is 360μmol/L and your doctor will try to get yours as close to this number as possible. This is the concentration at which your condition is best managed, ultimately leading to less flares, if any, and reduced joint damage. When you visit your doctor, remember to ask him or her what your most recent sUA level was and write it down in this booklet. If your blood level is not down to 360μmol/L, your doctor may need to change the dose of your long-term gout treatment. Download our Living with Gout booklet Back to top How is gout treated? The good news is that although the underlying causes of gout cannot be completely cured, it is a relatively simple condition to treat. With proper care, attacks can be minimised, and the chronic stage delayed or avoided altogether. Treatment falls into two categories: relief treatments are used during an attack and may be taken for a period of time afterwards prevention treatments are long term medications used to prevent further attacks and are taken every day There are a number of medications for both, some of which have been in use for a long time. Relief treatments for gout An attack of gout is an inflammation in the area around your joint. Your doctor will prescribe a medication aimed to reduce discomfort and pain during the flare. It is important to note that none of these medications affect your serum uric acid level. Colchicine is a treatment which has been in use for hundreds of years. It is actually an extract of a plant known as the autumn crocus. It works to help reduce inflammation at the site of your flare. At high doses, there may be side effects, such as nausea and diarrhoea, but doctors nowadays tend to use lower doses which work well and can be used for longer periods of time. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are designed to interrupt your body’s normal response which leads to inflammation. They limit or block the chemicals in your body that cause the inflammation, and therefore reduce pain and swelling. As suggested by their name, they do not contain steroids and are generally used for short to medium periods of time. NSAIDs work well if you take them early in a gout attack and can shorten the overall length of your flare. They may also help reduce pain later in an attack. Your doctor may prescribe lower doses for a period of time after your flare. This can reduce the possibility of future flares. These products work well to reduce pain; however they do have some side effects. Common complaints include headaches, dizziness and upset stomach, but more serious problems such as stomach ulcers, bleeding and rashes may occur. Steroids are a very effective treatment for acute attacks of gout and can offer a faster reduction of pain and swelling than colchicine or NSAIDs. They can be administered by means of a needle, directly into the site of your flare, or as a short course of tablets. Steroids are generally well tolerated; however some people are unable to take them due to side effects, other treatments or medical conditions where they are not recommended. Prevention treatments for gout Urate lowering treatments (ULTs) work to lower the level of uric acid in your blood. This reduces the likelihood of crystals forming, which in turn prevents further gout attacks and long-term effects such as tophi and joint destruction. ULTs generally reduce your serum uric acid levels quite quickly, however if you have had untreated gout for a while it may take a little longer. Unlike treatments for many other arthritic diseases, ULTs offer the possibility of reversing damage and can prevent further development of your gout altogether. If you have been prescribed ULTs, you will need to take them every day for the rest of your life. This may seem a daunting prospect at first, however, these medications when taken correctly can greatly help to improve your condition. If you stop taking your medication, symptoms are likely to return. IMPORTANT A short-term side effect of ULT treatment may be a gout attack shortly after you start taking it, especially if you have been untreated for some time. The treatment is dissolving urate crystals already present in your joints into uric acid. This in turn goes back into your blood stream, which can dislodge other crystals causing a new attack. However, if taken every day, the ULT treatment will quickly reduce your uric acid to a level where this will stop happening. To ease any discomfort in the meantime, your doctor may prescribe a ULT plus a relief treatment, such as colchicine, until your uric acid levels are stable. Keep Your Uric Acid Down Like many other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, gout has a target. If you have been diagnosed with gout, the aim of long-term gout treatment is to reduce your serum (blood) uric acid to a concentration of 360μmol/L. Once your doctor gets your uric acid to 360μmol/L they will try to keep it as close to that number as possible. In order to keep it at this number, you will most likely need to take ULT tablets each day for the rest of your life. The reason why 360μmol/L is such an important number is that at that blood concentration the following is likely to happen; dissolving of uric acid crystals in the joint prevention of future crystal formation reduced joint damage prevention of future gout attacks It is important that you and your doctor know what your blood uric acid concentration is. This is done by carrying out a simple blood test. You will find a helpful gout diary at the back of this booklet that will allow you to monitor your level. With the help of your doctor you can... …Keep your URIC ACID down! Make contact with Arthritis Ireland! You can learn more of the skills that will help you deal with arthritis on one of Arthritis Ireland’s self-management programmes. Living Well with Arthritis, our most popular course, focuses on what you can do for yourself, how to get the most from your healthcare professionals, handling pain, fatigue and depression, relaxing and keeping active. It is a great chance to meet and share tips with other people who know what you are going through. For more detailed information about Gout and sleep & fatigue, exercise, work and lifestyle information download the Living with Gout booklet or contact the Arthritis Ireland Helpline 0818252846 [email protected] Back to top Sign-up for news and updates about gout and Arthritis Ireland Donate Manage Cookie Preferences