What is Gout?
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis characterised by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints – most often in the big toe. Gout attacks can strike suddenly, often waking you up at night with the sensation that your joint is on fire. At Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi, we provide comprehensive gout management.
What Causes Gout?
Gout is caused by hyperuricemia – high levels of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid crystallises and deposits in joints, it causes the characteristic painful attacks.
Risk Factors
- Diet: Red meat, seafood, alcohol (especially beer), sugary drinks
- Obesity: More uric acid production
- Medical conditions: Hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease
- Medications: Diuretics, aspirin
- Family history
- Age and sex: More common in men, and women after menopause
Symptoms
- Acute Gout Attack: Sudden severe joint pain (often at night), redness, warmth, swelling
- Common Sites: Big toe (podagra), ankle, knee, wrist, finger
- Lingering Discomfort: After acute attack subsides, joint discomfort may persist
- Tophi: Urate crystal deposits under skin (chronic gout)
- Kidney Stones: From uric acid crystal deposits
Diagnosis
Blood uric acid levels, joint fluid analysis (joint aspiration to detect urate crystals – gold standard), X-ray, and ultrasound.
Treatment
Acute Attack Management
- NSAIDs (indomethacin, naproxen) – most effective first-line
- Colchicine – specifically for gout
- Corticosteroids if NSAIDs/colchicine contraindicated
Long-term Management (Urate-Lowering Therapy)
- Allopurinol – reduces uric acid production (first-line)
- Febuxostat – alternative to allopurinol
- Dietary modifications
- Adequate hydration (2–3 litres/day)
Expert gout management at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
