Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis. It is a long-term condition that requires long-term treatment. It is caused when there is too much uric acid in your blood. This is usually passed from parents to children in our genes. As uric acid builds up in your blood, it forms crystals in your joints that are like tiny pieces of glass. 

A gout attack usually lasts 5 to 10 days. 

If left untreated, gout can cause damage to your joints and kidneys.

• Severe pain in a joint (usually in the big toe but other joints can be affected, such as ankle, fingers, knee, or wrist) 
• Joint becomes red and swollen 
• Symptoms begin over 6 to 12 hours, often at night

Often your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose gout by asking you some questions and then looking at the affected joint. They will usually ask you to have a blood test about 2 weeks later to measure the uric acid in your blood. A healthy level of uric acid is below 0.36 millimoles per litre (mmoL/L). 

Reducing your gout attacks involves taking your gout preventer medicine every day, plus a few lifestyle changes: 

• Eat well: 3 healthy meals per day high in vegetables and fibre
• Limit alcohol to one or two standard drinks per day. Have at least two alcohol free days per week
• Exercise: be active by walking, swimming, gardening, playing a sport, going to the gym, etc. Find what works for you

• People assigned male at birth 
• Māori and Pasifika people have high incidence of genes that cause gout 
• Being overweight increases the level of uric acid in the blood 
• Risk factors include kidney problems, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, psoriasis, raised triglycerides, receiving chemotherapy, or taking diuretics 

There are two types of medicine for gout that are prescribed by your doctor:  

• Uric acid-lowering medication: must be taken every day even during a gout attack. This keeps your uric acid level down, prevents or reduces gout attacks and prevents further damage to your joints and kidneys. The most common uric acid-lowering medication is allopurinol. If this does not work for you, your doctor can change you on to another medication
• Gout attack medication: to treat pain and swelling during a gout attack. Your doctor will advise which medication is most right for you. Make sure you follow the directions on the medication label

• Gout is not your fault. It runs in families. Māori or Pasifika people are two or three times more likely to have gout than the general population
• Gout causes a lot of disability like days off work, irritability, and pain
• Take your preventer medicine every day whether you have gout or not. This is to keep your uric acid levels low enough to not get gout attacks. It also prevents further damage to your joints and kidneys
• You can also help yourself by eating well, staying active, and keeping hydrated

Clinically reviewed in 2024.