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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.

Guides for you

In your language, free to download. Each one is a short PDF you can keep on your phone or print.

Gout — Your Long-Term Medicine Englishहिंदीमराठी
Eating with Gout Englishहिंदीमराठी
Your Pain and Swelling Tablets Englishहिंदीमराठी

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.

For anything you are unsure about, 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
Closed on Sunday. Urgent injury such as a fracture or dislocation? Please call first.

Call 87665 22099

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
Closed on Sunday. Urgent injury such as a fracture or dislocation? Please call first.

Call 92702 84859

Other conditions

Ready when you are.

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

Nallasopara West Virar East