Gout Resource Room

Understanding Gout

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing inflammation and intense pain.

Key Features:

• Intense joint pain, typically in the big toe
• Lingering discomfort after the initial attack
• Inflammation and redness in affected joints
• Limited range of motion in affected joints
• Attacks that often occur suddenly, frequently at night
• Tophi (deposits of urate crystals under the skin) in chronic cases

Common Treatment Approaches:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Colchicine for acute attacks
• Corticosteroids
• Medications that block uric acid production (allopurinol, febuxostat)
• Medications that improve uric acid removal (probenecid)
• Lifestyle modifications (diet changes, hydration, weight management)