What is Gout?

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It's characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe.

Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins. After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks. Later attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints. As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.

If you experience sudden, intense pain in a joint, call your doctor. Gout that goes untreated can lead to worsening pain and joint damage. Seek medical care immediately if you have a fever and a joint is hot and inflamed, which can be a sign of infection.

Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines—substances that are found naturally in your body.

You're more likely to develop gout if you have high levels of uric acid in your body. Factors that increase the uric acid level in your body include diet, weight, medical conditions, medications, family history, age and gender, and recent surgery.

People with gout can develop more severe conditions, such as recurrent or advanced gout and kidney stones. Some people may never experience gout signs and symptoms again. Others may experience gout several times each year.