How to Know If You Have Gout: Signs and Symptoms

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If you’re in doubt if it’s gout, New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group is here to help you determine if the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing are pointing toward this condition. Read on for important, need-to-know info so you can identify if it is, in fact, gout that you’re dealing with:

1. Recognize Common Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain: The most prominent symptom of gout is sudden and intense pain in a joint, often starting at night.
  • Swelling and Inflammation: Affected joints often become swollen, warm, and red. The skin over the joint may also appear shiny.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Gout can restrict your ability to move the affected joint, leading to difficulty in daily activities.

2. Identify Trigger Factors

  • Dietary Choices: High-purine foods, such as red meat, seafood, and sugary beverages, can trigger gout attacks. Pay attention to whether certain foods precede your symptoms.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol, particularly beer and spirits, can increase uric acid levels and provoke gout flare-ups.
  • Obesity and Weight Gain: Excess weight can elevate uric acid levels in the blood, making you more susceptible to gout.

3. Monitor Uric Acid Levels

  • Blood Tests: Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood are often associated with gout. Consult your healthcare provider about getting your uric acid levels checked, especially if you experience symptoms.
  • Joint Aspiration: In some cases, your doctor may perform a procedure to extract fluid from the affected joint. This fluid can be analyzed for the presence of urate crystals, which confirm a gout diagnosis.

4. Consider Family History

  • Genetics: If you have a family history of gout or other types of arthritis, your risk may be higher.

5. Seek Professional Diagnosis

  • Consult a Doctor: If you experience symptoms of gout, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform the necessary tests and provide a definitive diagnosis.

Gout can be a debilitating condition, but recognizing its signs and symptoms early can lead to effective treatment and management. If you suspect you may be dealing with gout, the team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group is here to help. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.