Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints, usually as flares that last for a week or two and then resolve. Gout attacks 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 bedsheet on it may seem intolerable. Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia, which is when there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat. When there is too much uric acid in the body, uric acid crystals can build up in joints, fluids, and tissues within the body.

The key features of gout attacks are:

• Pain: Gout attacks cause sudden and intense joint pain, often in the big toe, that can last for a week or two.

• Swelling: Gout attacks cause swelling in the affected joint, which can make it difficult to move the joint.

• Tenderness: The affected joint is so tender that even the weight of a bedsheet on it may seem intolerable.

• Flares: Gout symptoms may come and go, but there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent flares.

To manage a gout attack, you can avoid alcohol and sweet drinks, drink plenty of water, and elevate your affected joints above the level of your heart as often as you can. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce pain and swelling during a gout attack. Some people with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and other health problems shouldn’t take NSAIDs, so its important to talk to your provider before taking them. Making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as losing weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding foods high in purines (like red meat or organ meat which can cause gout flares), may help prevent future attacks.