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Gout

Overview

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Symptoms of gout include sudden severe pain, redness and swelling in a joint, such as your big toe, hands or feet.

Gout may be diagnosed by your GP. You may also be referred to a specialist for tests to confirm it or rule out other conditions.

Gout can be treated with painkillers such as ibuprofen. Medicines can also be given to help prevent it coming back.

There are things you can do to ease pain and swelling during a gout attack. Taking your medicine immediately, and keeping the joint raised may help.

Gout can sometimes run in families and is more common in men. It can also be triggered by a high temperature, too much alcohol or injury to a joint.

A healthy lifestyle may help prevent gout coming back, such as eating a balanced diet, not smoking and reducing the amount of alcohol you drink.

Repeat attacks of gout can damage your joints and cause small, white lumps under the skin of your ears or fingers.

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden swelling and severe pain inside and around the joints.

Page last reviewed: 24/08/2023
Next review due: 24/08/2026