Photo: Andrew Neel

Can stress cause gout?

Gout attacks may be triggered by any of the following: Drinking alcohol. Eating a lot of protein-rich foods. Emotional stress.

hopkinsmedicine.org - Gout | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is a male private part doctor called?

TweetAn andrologist is a medical doctor specializing in men's health, particularly relating to their reproductive system and urological problems...

Last updated Feb 25, 2019

Why am I 5 pounds heavier at night?

"We can weigh 5, 6, 7 pounds more at night than we do first thing in the morning," Hunnes says. Part of that is thanks to all the salt we consume...

Last updated May 30, 2020

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

Gout is a health problem that causes inflamed, painful joints. The symptoms are caused by deposits of urate crystals at the joints. Gout used to be associated with kings who overindulged in rich food and wine. In truth, anyone can get gout. Gout affects more men than women. It is often linked with obesity, high blood pressure, high levels of lipids in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and diabetes. This condition is a form of inflammatory arthritis that results in painful attacks in the joints. It can cause swelling and redness, and in some cases, it can lead to lumpy deposits that can be seen under the skin. It can also lead to the development of kidney stones.

What causes gout?

Gout is caused by monosodium urate crystal deposits in the joints. This is due to an excess of uric acid in the body. Too much uric acid may be caused by several things. It may be caused by the body making too much uric acid. Or the kidneys may not get rid of enough uric acid. It may also be caused by eating a lot of foods that are high in purines. Purines turn into uric acid in the body.

Foods high in purines include:

Alcoholic drinks and sugary drinks high in fructose

Certain meats, such as game meats, kidney, brains, and liver

Dried beans and dried peas

Seafood, such as anchovies, herring, scallops, sardines, and mackerel

Gout attacks may be triggered by any of the following:

Drinking alcohol

Eating a lot of protein-rich foods

Emotional stress

Fatigue

Illness

Minor surgery

Who is at risk for gout?

You are at higher risk for gout if you:

Are a man

Are a postmenopausal woman

Have kidney disease

Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes

Have family members with gout

What are the symptoms of gout?

Gout causes sudden, recurrent attacks of symptoms that often occur without warning. Severe, chronic gout may lead to deformity. Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. Common symptoms include:

Chills

Fever

General feeling of illness

Hard lumps of urate crystal deposits under the skin (tophi)

Severe, sudden pain in one or more joints, most often the joint in the big toe

Skin that is red or purple, tight, and shiny over the joint

How much is STD testing at Planned Parenthood?

$0-250 It costs anywhere from $0-250, depending on which STDs you're getting tested for, and whether or not you have symptoms or need an exam. You...

Last updated Sep 16, 2021

How do I increase my urine flow?

Go with the Flow Keep yourself active. Lack of physical activity can make you retain urine. ... Do Kegel exercises. Stand at or sit on the toilet...

Last updated Sep 1, 2020

Promotion

Swollen joint(s)

Warmth in the joint area

Some symptoms of gout can be like other health conditions. Make sure to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is gout diagnosed?

The process starts with a medical history and a physical exam. A fluid sample may be taken from the joint and checked for urate crystals.

How is gout treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, your age, and your general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include:

Avoiding alcoholic drinks

Colchicine, an oral or IV medicine to relieve pain and inflammation

Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

Drinking more nonalcoholic fluids

Eating less protein-rich foods

Medicine to block production of uric acid in the body

Medicine to lower the uric acid level in the blood

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to relieve pain and inflammation

Surgery to remove extremely large tophi

Weight loss, if obesity is an issue

Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

What are the complications of gout?

People with gout have a higher risk for kidney stones, due to crystal deposits in the kidneys. They can also have kidney damage. Crystal deposits in the joints can cause some disability due to stiffness and pain.

Living with gout

You can reduce the risk of future flare-ups of gout and decrease their severity by taking medicine as prescribed. If you are given medicine to take when a flare-up occurs, it is best to start taking it at the first sign of symptoms. Or get medical attention at the first sign of symptoms. To help prevent episodes of gout: Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any new medicine, including over-the-counter medicines

Drink plenty of water

Don’t drink alcohol

Exercise regularly

Lose weight if needed

Don’t eat foods that are high in purines

When should I call my health care provider?

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know.

Key points about gout

hopkinsmedicine.org - Gout | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What can be mistaken for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer and prostatitis are two conditions that can affect the prostate and may present with similar symptoms. However, the two conditions...

Last updated Nov 8, 2019

What is the most hydrating drink in the world?

Coconut water is, undoubtedly, the best hydrating drink. It is low in calories and rich in potassium and is known to have better hydrating...

Last updated Aug 19, 2018

Promotion

Is zinc good for bladder?

And according to a recent study, the mineral zinc may be very effective in treating UTIs. This is extremely important considering UTIs are one of...

Last updated Dec 2, 2022

Promotion

Does saw palmetto reduce prostate size?

Other studies suggest that saw palmetto may actually shrink the size of the prostate gland. Due to the short duration (usually less than 3 months)...

Last updated Jul 31, 2022