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Gout

A joint that becomes severely painful, red, hot and swollen over a few hours — most often the big toe, but it can be any joint. It is caused by crystals, and it is both treatable and preventable.

Do not wait for an appointment

A hot swollen joint must be checked — infection looks identical.

  • A hot, swollen, very painful joint with a fever — this must be seen to exclude infection
  • It is your first attack and the diagnosis is not confirmed
  • Several joints at once
  • You are on chemotherapy, or your immunity is reduced
  • Skin breaking down over a lump on a joint
Sheet 51 · Joint care guideBone & joint diseaseAttacks settle in days; prevention is long-term

Do this

  • Treat the attack early — the sooner it is treated, the shorter it is
  • Rest and elevate the joint; ice helps
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Discuss long-term prevention if you have had more than one attack — this is what stops it coming back
  • Reduce alcohol, especially beer, and sugary drinks

Avoid this

  • Starting or stopping preventive tablets during an attack without advice — it can make the attack worse
  • Assuming a hot joint is definitely gout. Infection looks the same and is an emergency
  • Ignoring repeated attacks — each one damages the joint a little
  • Blaming diet alone. Most gout is genetic; diet is a smaller part than people think

The questions everybody asks

Is it because of what I eat?

Partly, but far less than people assume.

Most gout comes from how the body handles uric acid, which is largely inherited. Diet makes a difference at the margins — it is not a moral failing and it is not your fault.

Do I need tablets forever?

If you have repeated attacks or damage, usually yes.

Preventive treatment lowers uric acid and stops attacks. It is taken long-term, and stopping it brings the attacks back.

How do you tell it from infection?

Sometimes only by taking a sample of fluid from the joint.

That is why we ask you to come in rather than treating a hot joint over the phone.

Open the exercise sheet

Pictures, how many and how often, and what it should feel like. Free, and printable.

On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.

Consultation is ₹500 for a first visit and ₹300 for a follow-up, the same at both clinics. For anything else, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.

Should you come and see us?

A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.

Nallasopara West

Opposite Patil Hospital

Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,
Opposite Patil Hospital, near Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir,
S.T. Stand Road, Nallasopara West — 401203

Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm  ·  7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Virar East

Opposite Parimal Hospital

Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,
Opposite Parimal Hospital, Morya Nagar,
Manvel Pada Road, Virar East — 401305

Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.