Gout Care in Collegeville, PA

What is gout?

Gout happens when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms needle-shaped crystals in and around the joints, triggering sudden attacks of intense pain, swelling, and redness. It most often affects the big toe but can involve the ankles, knees, hands, and wrists.

Common symptoms

• Sudden, severe joint pain, often beginning at night
• Swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected joint
• Pain that peaks within hours and then slowly settles over days
• Limited movement of the joint during a flare
• Hard lumps under the skin (tophi) in long-standing, untreated gout

How gout is diagnosed

Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, an examination, and a uric acid level. The most definitive test is finding urate crystals in fluid drawn from the affected joint, a procedure that can be performed in the rheumatology office. A blood uric acid level can be normal during a flare, so it is not enough on its own.

Treatment

Treatment has two parts. The first is calming an active flare, using anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids when appropriate. The second is lowering uric acid over the long term, often with a daily medication, to prevent flares and joint damage. Limiting alcohol and sugary drinks can help, but medication is frequently needed as well.