Gout

We're sorry to hear you have gout (or may have gout).

The goal of this guide is to provide information while awaiting evaluation with your doctor or additional information after you have seen him or her. Please keep in mind that this guide is not intended to replace a face-to-face evaluation with your doctor.

First, some background information about this guide and about the condition itself:

Gout is a condition in which one or more joints become inflamed when crystals of urate (also called uric acid) deposit there. Urate is a byproduct of normal bodily functions and is removed from the body by the kidneys.

This guide will ask you a series of questions and depending on your answers, information will be provided and additional questions asked until the conclusion.

Would you first like more general information about gout? Or, would you prefer information more specific to your own situation?

General information about gout

I'd like to learn more about my own specific situation.

Okay. The information below is organized into the following sections:

1) How is gout diagnosed?

2) How severe is your gout?

3) What are the treatment options?

4) What happens over time?

Let's get started!

Diagnosis of gout

I'd like to learn more about my own specific situation.