Health info > Joints & Mobility > Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis, which causes sudden attacks of pain in a joint, starting with the big toe or another part of the foot. Within a day there is severe pain and swelling of the joint and the skin over the joint may also become red and shiny. Other joints can be affected such as the knees, wrist, and fingers.

Causes
Gout is caused by having too much of a chemical called uric acid in your joints. Your body makes uric acid when you eat food. It is normal to have some uric acid in your body and most people get rid of uric acid through their urine.

Most of the uric acid build up is because the body cannot get rid of uric acid properly because of genetic factors with the incidence of gout tending to run in families. The rate is also high for Maori and Pacific men. People who are overweight are prone to gout, and it can be a sign of chronic kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes.

Some uric acid build up is caused by certain foods and drink. Maintaining a healthy diet and reducing weight by staying active goes some way to reducing the symptoms.

Tips for healthy eating with gout
Have the same or more of:

  • Vegetables and some fruit

  • Wholegrain bread

  • Low fat yoghurt and cheese such as Edam

  • Chicken and white fish

  • Water, coffee and tea, diet soft drinks, lite blue and green milk

Have less of:

  • Red meat, seafood, and liver

  • Takeaways

  • Beer, RTDs, and other alcohol

  • Try to cut out sugary drinks such as energy drinks, ordinary soft drinks, orange juice and powdered drinks.

Treatment
Medicines keep the levels of uric acid down and they need to be taken every day, even if you are having a gout attack. Common uric acid medicines are allopurinol and probenecid.

You may be more prone to gout when you start these medications because your body is getting rid of the excess uric acid.

During an attack there are medicines to reduce the pain. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as diclofenac and naproxen, oral steroids and a medicine called colchicine can be taken short term for pain.

Talk to your pharmacist about starting medicine, and what to do if an attack occurs. Discuss the benefits and side effects, and make sure you know what to do if you get side effects.