All About Gout

What causes gout?

Gout, also called gouty arthritis, can cause sudden and severe leg pain, often at night. Gout pain most often affects the joint in the big toe, but it also can cause severe pain in the joints of the knees and ankles. If left untreated, the pain of gout can last for about a week before gradually subsiding.

Gout occurs when uric acid (produced in the blood) builds up and forms sharp crystals that accumulate in the joints and cause pain.

The most common medications for gout come with different side effects, so it’s important to talk to your clinician about which type of medicine is best for you.

Options for gout medications (usually taken as pills) include:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories): Side effects include stomach pain and increased risk for ulcers.
• Colchicine: Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Steroids: Steroids may be taken as pills or injected into a gouty joint. But side effects may include thinning of the bones and weakening of the immune system.