Gout

What is Gout?

Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in a joint, causing intense inflammation and pain. Urate crystals form when uric acid levels in the blood are high, a condition known as hyperuricemia. The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, substances found naturally in the body and in certain foods such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood. In the UAE, the prevalence of gout has been rising due to dietary habits rich in purine-containing foods and the increasing rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Symptoms

• ●Intense joint pain, especially in the big toe
• ●Swelling and redness around affected joint
• ●Warmth and tenderness in the joint
• ●Limited range of motion
• ●Lingering discomfort after the acute attack subsides
• ●Peeling or itchy skin around the joint as inflammation resolves

What Causes Gout?

Gout is caused by hyperuricemia, an excess of uric acid in the blood. This can result from the body producing too much uric acid or the kidneys excreting too little. Dietary factors, genetics, and certain medications such as diuretics can contribute to elevated uric acid levels.

Risk Factors

• ⚠Diet rich in red meat, organ meats, and shellfish
• ⚠Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• ⚠Chronic kidney disease
• ⚠Family history of gout
• ⚠Excessive alcohol consumption
• ⚠Use of diuretic medications

How to Prevent Gout

Prevention includes maintaining a healthy weight, staying well hydrated, limiting intake of purine-rich foods such as red meat and seafood, and avoiding sugary drinks. Regular exercise and monitoring uric acid levels can help reduce the risk of gout flares.

When to Get Tested

You should get tested if you experience sudden, intense joint pain especially in the big toe, or if you have risk factors such as obesity, kidney disease, or a family history of gout.

References & Sources

• [1]
  Mayo Clinic — GoutAccessed: 2026-02-24
• [2]
  NHS — GoutAccessed: 2026-02-24
• [3]
  CDC — GoutAccessed: 2026-02-24