What is gout (痛风)?
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, often in the big toe or ankles. It occurs when excess uric acid in the blood forms sharp crystals in the joints, leading to intense inflammation and discomfort. These flare-ups can happen unexpectedly and may last for days or even weeks if left untreated. While gout primarily affects the lower limbs, it can also impact other joints like the knees, wrists, and fingers.
Causes of Gout
Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joints. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid, which is the breakdown substance of purine. If the body produces too much uric acid or your kidneys excrete too little, uric acid can build up in the joints, forming sharp urate crystals that cause your joints and surrounding tissues to be tender, swollen and inflamed.
As uric acid levels rise and crystals form, gout progresses through various stages, each with distinct symptoms and severity.
Stage 1: High Uric Acid Levels
Uric acid begins to accumulate in the blood, forming crystals around the joints, though no symptoms are present yet.
Stage 2: Acute Gout
A sudden and intense gout attack occurs, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint.
Stage 3: Intercritical Gout
This stage involves symptom-free periods between gout attacks, but uric acid crystals may continue to accumulate in the joints, increasing the risk of future flare-ups.
Stage 4: Chronic Gout
Frequent and prolonged gout attacks lead to persistent joint pain, stiffness, and the formation of tophi (hard uric acid deposits) in the joints.
Signs and Symptoms of Gout
Gout causes sudden, intense joint pain, followed by lingering discomfort, swelling, redness, and inflammation. Over time, it can lead to reduced joint mobility.
- Intense joint pain: Likely to be the most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins
- Lingering discomfort: Some joint discomfort may last up to a few days or weeks after the most severe pain subsides
- Inflammation and redness: The affected joint(s) become swollen, red, warm and tender
- Limited range of movements: As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints freely
How to prevent gout?
A healthy diet, maintaining a proper weight, and regular health check-ups can help reduce the risk of gout and manage uric acid levels effectively.
Healthy diet
- Low purine diet, drinking less sweetened beverages and reducing alcohol intake can help to reduce risk of gout.
- Diet rich in red meat, internal organs, beverages sweetened with fructose and alcohol consumption, especially beer increases the risk of gout.
Maintain a healthy weight
- Being overweight will produce more uric acid and your kidneys will have a more difficult time eliminating the uric acid.
Control overall health/ yearly medical checkup
- Certain diseases and conditions like high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, heart and kidney disease can increase the risk of gout. Regular health checkups help detect and manage these conditions early, preventing complications that may contribute to uric acid buildup. Monitoring uric acid levels, kidney function, and overall health through yearly checkups allows for timely lifestyle or medical interventions to reduce the risk of gout.
If you have a family history of gout or are on certain types of medication (eg aspirin or antihypertensives), you’re more likely to develop gout. If you notice any signs of symptoms, seek treatment from your doctor immediately to get the best treatment.
Take Control of Gout for a Healthier Life
Gout is a painful and chronic condition that can significantly impact daily life if left untreated. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and progression, you can take proactive steps to manage uric acid levels and prevent flare-ups. A balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular medical check-ups are essential in reducing the risk of gout and improving overall joint health. Early detection and proper management can help you stay active and pain-free.
GHHS Healthcare offers comprehensive solutions for gout-related issues, including doctor-advised supplements and treatments tailored to your needs. With expert medical guidance and effective treatment options, you can manage gout more effectively and improve your quality of life. Visit GHHS Healthcare today to explore the best solutions for your gout concerns.
Article by:
Dr. Nor Farhana Binti Bakri
MBBS (MAHE)
Medical Officer
GHHS Healthcare
