There’s More to Gout

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). When uric acid levels get too high, crystals can form inside the joints and trigger inflammation. This leads to the sudden pain, swelling, and redness typical of a gout flare.

While foods high in purines can raise uric acid, most uric acid is created naturally by your body. That means even people with healthy diets can develop gout. Genetics, kidney function, and certain health conditions can also increase risk.

Helpful Resources: Mayo Clinic, American College of Rheumatology

Your gout may be uncontrolled if you continue to have high uric acid levels and flares, gouty lumps or ongoing joint pain despite treatment. Signs of uncontrolled gout include a uric acid level above 6 mg/dL, more than one flare a year and/or the presence of gouty lumps called tophi. You might also notice constant soreness between flares or swelling that doesn’t go away. If this sounds familiar, talk with your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan.

Helpful Resources: Cleveland Clinic

Your risk may be higher if gout runs in your family or if you have certain health conditions like high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, obesity or diabetes. Men tend to develop gout more often, but women’s risk increases after menopause.

Helpful Resources: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Nature

Only about one-third of the uric acid in your body comes from food. While certain foods and drinks may trigger flares, many people develop gout because their bodies naturally make or keep too much uric acid. Kidney function, genetics, and underlying health conditions often play a larger role than diet alone.

Helpful Resources: NCBI, The Arthritis Foundation

Doctors diagnose gout by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and running tests. Blood tests can measure uric acid. A joint fluid sample can be checked for urate crystals. Imaging like X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan can help confirm gout or rule out other conditions.

Helpful Resources: Cleveland Clinic, American College of Rheumatology

If left untreated, uric acid crystals can accumulate over time, causing you to experience flares more frequently and in more places throughout the body.

Helpful Resources: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Arthritis Foundation

If you’re still having flares or high uric acid despite treatment, talk with your doctor. They may adjust your treatment plan or refer you to a specialist. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommends aiming for a specific uric acid target—usually below 6 mg/dL—to help reduce flares. Managing uric acid levels over time is important for preventing future flares and long-term joint damage.

Helpful Resources: American College of Rheumatology, Cleveland Clinic

A gout specialist is a doctor with advanced training in treating gout. This is usually a rheumatologist, who focuses on joint diseases, and sometimes a nephrologist if kidney issues are involved. These specialists can adjust medications, check for complications, and create a plan to help prevent future flares. Your primary care doctor may refer you to one if your gout isn’t improving.

Helpful Resources: American College of Rheumatology, National Kidney Foundation