A popular untruth is that gout happens only to obese people or people that drink too much alcohol.^3a While alcohol and an unhealthy diet contribute to gout, the real cause is how effectively your body breaks down purines into uric acid.⁴

Purines are substances made naturally in your body.^5a They are also found in certain foods.^5b Your liver breaks down purines into waste called uric acid, which is released into your bloodstream.^6a The uric acid gets filtered by your kidneys and passed out of your body through your urine.^6b If your body makes too much uric acid or cannot get rid of uric acid properly, it builds up in your blood. This causes small sharp crystals to form in and around the joints, which leads to gout.^4b

Signs and symptoms usually happen suddenly, often at night, typically lasting 3-10 days. Some people have a gout attack every few weeks whereas others have them every few years.^1c

See your doctor if you suddenly experience pain and or swelling in one or more of your joints.^{1d, 7b} He will likely ask you for details on your gout attack such as where it occurred in your body, and how quick and intense the episode was. He will also ask about medications you are taking, other medical conditions, your diet, alcohol intake, and whether you have a family history of gout.^1e A physical examination will follow to inspect the affected joint and look for any signs of tophi.^1f

Your doctor will likely prescribe medication for pain and swelling. You may also require long-term medication to either reduce your uric acid production or improve your body’s ability to remove uric acid from your system.^8a More than 50% of people who have a first attack of gout will have a second.^1h Untreated gout can cause infection or lead to permanent damage to your joints and kidneys.^5h Proper treatment and self-care can prevent permanent damage to your joints.