Gout is a type of arthritis that typically only affects older people. It is characterized by painful swelling, fever, and sometimes conformity of the joints, especially at the base of the big toe or in the feet and ankles. The cause of gout is a buildup of uric acid that crystallizes in the joints. People who suffer from diseases and conditions that affect the function of their kidneys are more prone to experience attacks of gout.

Some of the more common triggers of gout include consumption of alcohol, too much red meat, certain fish, and taking diuretics. These items contain high quantities of purines, chemicals which elevate the amount of uric acid in the blood. This means that many gout attacks can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes that include limiting alcohol consumption and the consumption of red meat and fish.

Treatment for an attack of acute gout consists of corticosteroids in conjunction with NSAID medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Aspirin is not recommended for treatment of gout because it can actually elevate levels of uric acid. Relief is usually seen within 24 hours of treatment. A person can have an acute attack, treat it and receive relief, and not have another attack for several years.

In addition to treating the symptoms, most doctors prescribe medication designed to lower the levels of uric acid in the blood. In most cases, this is sufficient to prevent future attacks. However, some people progress and develop a condition known as chronic gout.

Diagnosis of gout is normally achieved via physical examination. In order to substantiate the diagnosis, many doctors also choose to take a sample of fluid from the affected joint and examine it under a microscope looking for signs of uric acid crystals. Presence of these crystals in the fluid sample is conclusive proof.

The two most critical elements of controlling gout consist in almost equal measure of taking medication daily and making lifestyle changes that include limiting alcohol consumption, particularly beer, and avoiding red meat and certain seafoods. It is also necessary that the patient take steps to control his/her weight.

Certain other medical conditions share many of the risk factors associated with gout. While there is no clear relationship between them, anyone who has suffered a gout attack should be more aware that they may develop diabetes, kidney disease, and possibly heart disease. Also, anyone known to have any of these diseases should be aware that they are at higher risk for a gout attack.

There are also certain risk factors particular to gout. These include being male, obesity, moderate to heavy consumption of beer or other alcohol, lead exposure, joint injury, being frequently dehydrated, and all of the risk factors mentioned above. Obviously, some of these cannot be changed, for example gender. Others are under the direct influence of the individual.

In more advanced cases of gout, nodules of uric acid crystals can format the joints and actually erode the bones. These nodules are normally not painful in themselves. However, they can lead to severe pain as the outer layer of bones is rubbed away. X-rays are normally of little use in diagnosing gout because most patients choose to see a doctor before any long-term damage is done. There are times, however, when groups of uric acid crystals become large enough to show on x-rays or the doctor is able to infer the existence based on the appearance of the bones.

Unlike other forms of arthritis, gout is only partially controllable by lifestyle choices. Genetic factors make some people more prone to develop it than others though this does not necessarily mean they will. Gout is more specific about the joints in attacks than other forms of arthritis. One suggested reason is because the legs and feet normally have a lower temperature.