Medical Encyclopaedia › Gout (short definition)
In brief: Gout is an inflammatory joint disease caused by persistently raised uric acid levels in the blood. Uric acid crystals are deposited in joints and trigger sudden, very painful inflammation, most often in the joint at the base of the big toe.
Causes
In most cases, the kidneys excrete too little uric acid for hereditary reasons. Contributing factors are a purine-rich diet with lots of meat, offal and seafood, alcohol (especially beer), sugary drinks containing fructose, overweight, kidney disease and medicines such as certain diuretics. Men are affected much more often; women usually only after the menopause.
The gout attack
A typical attack begins suddenly, often at night, with extreme pain, redness, swelling and warmth of a joint. Even a light touch is almost unbearable. Without treatment, an attack subsides after a few days to weeks, but often recurs.
Acute treatment
During an attack, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or low-dose colchicine help, taken as early as possible. Cooling and elevating the joint provide additional relief.
Long-term treatment
In the case of repeated attacks, gouty nodules (tophi), kidney stones or joint damage, uric acid is lowered permanently, usually with allopurinol or febuxostat. The target is a level below 6 mg/dl. Attacks may occur more frequently in the first months, so colchicine or a painkiller is often given as a preventive measure. Weight loss, little alcohol and fructose and drinking enough support treatment.
When to see a doctor?
A suddenly red, swollen and very painful joint should be examined by a doctor, especially if there is fever, as a joint infection can look similar.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Uric acid, Arthritis, Allopurinol, NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, Kidney stones, Joint, Metabolic syndrome
Further reading on Medizin Aktuell
Sources
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie (DGRh): S3-Leitlinie Gichtarthritis, AWMF-Register 060-005
- European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR): Empfehlungen zum Management der Gicht
- IQWiG: gesundheitsinformation.de – Gesundheitsinformationen des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.