Dr. Lam Labs, LLC

Top Risk Factors for Developing Gout

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that usually attacks the big toe. It causes red, swollen, and stiff joints due to elevated uric acid levels in the blood. The uric acid crystallizes and is deposited in the joints, often at the joint at the base of the big toe. Usually, uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes out through the kidneys into the urine. But there are cases where the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys excrete too little uric acid.

The ankles, heels, instep, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows might also be affected. It is characterized by pain that occurs suddenly, often at night, and without warning. There are some factors that increase the uric acid levels in the body such as excessive alcohol use. It has been shown that beer is the type of alcohol that is most strongly associated with gout. This is mostly seen in younger adults who often engage in binge drinking.

Those with a family history of gout are also at an increased risk of developing the disease. Almost 20% of people with gout have a family history of the condition.

Diet plays a major role in gout development. It is especially associated with excessive consumption of meat and seafood. It is best to stay away from foods that are high in protein and high in purines such as mussels, scallops, sardines, herring, hearts, kidneys, liver, and anchovies.

Men are at a greater risk for gout development and men commonly experience the first gout attack between the ages of 30 and 50. In women, the risk is greater after menopause. At the age of 60, the number is about the same in men and women.

There are also certain drugs that can lead to increased uric acid levels because they impair the ability of the body to remove uric acid. These include diuretics, niacin or nicotinic acid, salicylates such as aspirin, cyclosporine, and levodopa.

The treatment for gout is lifestyle and diet changes, prescription medications, and gout supplements specifically those that contain wild cherry.