What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis. It is caused by too much uric acid in our blood. This can happen when our bodies make too much uric acid or when our kidneys cannot get rid of it quickly enough. Uric acid is also known as serum urate concentration or urate for short.

The excess uric acid forms tiny crystals inside our small joints such as the big toes, ankles, fingers and wrists. This causes joint swelling and pain called a gout flare or gout attack.

what causes gout?

Gout is a result of high uric acid levels. It is often an inherited condition. Many people with gout have a family history of gout.

In some people, increased uric acid levels and risk of gout can be caused by certain health conditions or medicines, such as:

• Kidney disease,
• Being overweight or obese,
• High blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes,
• Taking some diuretic medicines (these help you produce more urine).

Untreated gout can lead to permanent joint damage, more frequent and severe flares, kidney disease and stones, and heart health problems.

How can I control gout?

Gout is a lifelong condition. It can be controlled with early diagnosis and taking a medicine every day to lower uric acid levels.

These fact sheets can help you understand more about controlling and managing gout:

• What about Gout?
• Gout and Diet

My Gout Plan has been designed for consumers and carers. You can put this plan together with your health professional to track the medicines you take to manage gout and gout flares.

If you have gout or care for someone who has gout, Arthritis Australia has reliable and trusted information about gout. Arthritis Australia can also help you connect with other consumers and carers managing gout.

References:

Arthritis Australia (2024). https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/
Medcast – Quality Use of Medicines (2024). https://medcast.com.au/qhub