What are the signs of gout

Not Medical Advice: Signs of gout are sudden burning pain, stiffness, and swelling in a joint, most often in a big toe.

The joint may feel warm and tender, and have a reddish appearance. Other joints affected include elbows, fingers, wrists, knees, and ankles. Illness, genetics, drugs or alcohol, or stressful events can trigger an attack.

Gout (gouty arthritis) is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood, a waste product formed when purines in cells are broken down. Most of the time uric acid dissolves and is excreted through urine, but if the kidneys are not releasing enough of it, it builds up.

Treatment includes medication to reduce uric acid buildup, ibuprofen, and reduced consumption of seafood, red meat, organ meat, and alcohol.

In medical news, Allopurinol will continue to be the mainstay drug for those with gout, but for those who can’t tolerate this drug, Arthritis New Zealand welcomes alternatives to control this painful condition. PHARMAC has added Febuxostat and Benzbromarone to the list of medications that can be prescribed for gout when other forms of treatment cannot be used. Learn more here.