Health Spotlight: Gout

Anyone who has experienced gout will know how painful and debilitating it can be. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of urate (uric acid) in the body, which the kidneys do not remove efficiently.

This leads to the formation of needle-like urate crystals in the joints, resulting in inflammation and pain. While the big toe is the joint most commonly affected by gout, it can also impact the feet, ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows.

Men over the age of 65 are more frequently affected, and the initial symptoms of gout typically include severe joint pain, redness, heat, and swelling, making the affected joint sensitive to touch. It can also lead to difficulty walking or moving the joint.

There is a common myth that gout is solely caused by excessive alcohol consumption. However, the primary cause of gout is genetics, particularly a family history of the condition. Other contributing factors include obesity, kidney disease, stress, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dehydration, and a diet high in meat, seafood, alcohol and sugary drinks.

There are specific medications available for managing gout, and symptom relief can also be achieved by applying an ice pack and resting the affected joint.

While medication can effectively lower uric acid levels, gout is a lifelong condition, and future flare-ups may still occur. It is recommended for individuals impacted by gout to modify their diet and lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of subsequent flare-ups.

If you have experienced gout, please reach out to us so that we can develop a plan to address your symptoms if they flare up again. Our clinical assessment can also include referrals and liaison with relevant medical practitioners, as well as lifestyle and diet professionals to help you make the necessary changes to manage your symptoms effectively.

You can also find a range of information including downloadable booklets and a video library on the

Arthritis Australia website:

https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/gout/