gout

Key facts Gout is a type of arthritis that leads to painful inflammation in a joint, caused by a build-up of urate crystals. The big toe is most commonly affected, but gout can affect any joint. To diagnose gout, a sample of fluid from the affected joint can be checked for urate crystals. Your doctor can prescribe medicines to relieve your symptoms and shorten their duration. If you have recurrent attacks of gout, your doctor can advise you on ways to reduce the risk of future attacks. What is gout? Gout is a type of arthritis that leads to painful inflammation in a