Learn more about Gout

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.

Watch the following video to find out more about what causes gout:

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 resources below can help you understand more about controlling and managing gout:

The My Gout Care Plan has been designed for consumers and carers. Use it to work with your health professional to plan and track the medicines you take to manage gout and gout flares.

There are also adapted resources available for:

Arthritis Australia has reliable information about gout for consumers and carers. They can also help connect you with others managing gout.

Need more information?

Use Choosing Wisely’s 5 questions to ask your doctor before any test, treatment or procedure.
Have medicines you no longer need? Return them for free at any pharmacy through the Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) program.
Find good health information at the Canberra Health Literacy Hub.
Are you a health professional? Visit Medcast’s QHUB. Find free, high-quality Gout education and resources, on the safe use of medicines.
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