Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.<\/p>\n
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Gout — a complex form of arthritis — can affect anyone. Men are more likely to get gout, but women become increasingly susceptible to gout after menopause.<\/p>\n
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An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem intolerable.<\/p>\n
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Fortunately, gout is treatable, and there are ways to reduce the risk that gout will recur.<\/p>\n
Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood.<\/p>\n
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Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines — substances that are found naturally in your body, as well as in certain foods, such as steak, organ meats and seafood. Other foods also promote higher levels of uric acid, such as alcoholic beverages, especially beer, and drinks sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose).<\/p>\n
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Normally, uric acid dissolves in your blood and passes through your kidneys into your urine. But sometimes your body either produces too much uric acid or your kidneys excrete too little uric acid. When this happens, uric acid can build up, forming sharp, needle-like urate crystals in a joint or surrounding tissue that cause pain, inflammation and swelling.<\/p>\n
The signs and symptoms of gout almost always occur suddenly — often at night — and without warning. They include:<\/p>\n
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When to see a doctor<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n If you experience sudden, intense pain in a joint, call your doctor. Gout that goes untreated can lead to worsening pain and joint damage.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Seek medical care immediately if you have a fever and a joint is hot and inflamed, which can be a sign of infection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"