Gout Knowledge - GoutCare

What is Gout?

Gout is a recurrent inflammatory disease caused by increased purine biosynthesis, excessive uric acid production, or poor uric acid excretion, leading to elevated blood uric acid and deposition of urate crystals in joint synovium, bursae, cartilage, and other tissues. It is characterized by the presence of birefringent monosodium urate crystals in joint fluid and tophi.

Symptoms of Gout

Acute Arthritis Phase: Often attacks suddenly at night. The affected joint is severely painful, commonly starting in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (big toe), followed by the ankle, knee, etc. The joint becomes red, swollen, hot, and painful, with limited movement.
Tophi and Chronic Arthritis Phase: Tophi are characteristic clinical manifestations of gout, commonly found in the helix of the ear, metatarsophalangeal, interphalangeal, and metacarpophalangeal joints.
Kidney Lesions: Gouty nephropathy, uric acid nephrolithiasis, etc.

Relationship between Uric Acid and Gout

Hyperuricemia is the pathophysiological basis of gout. However, not all patients with hyperuricemia will develop gout; it is only called gout when urate crystals deposit in tissues and cause an inflammatory response.

Common Misconceptions

Myth 1: Only drinking alcohol and eating meat cause gout

Although a high-purine diet is a trigger, excessive fructose intake (e.g., sugary drinks), intense exercise, and sudden cold can also induce gout.

Myth 2: Painkillers are enough for gout attacks

Painkillers only relieve symptoms and do not lower uric acid. Long-term failure to control uric acid can lead to joint destruction and kidney damage.