Let’s talk about gout—something we see often in the clinic, and something that can be incredibly painful if not well managed. Gout is a form of arthritis that usually comes on quite suddenly. It’s caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which can form crystals in the joints. When that happens, it leads to inflammation, swelling, and a lot of pain—often in the big toe, but it can affect other joints as well.

Most patients describe a gout flare as coming on overnight. You might wake up with a throbbing pain in your toe, ankle or knee that wasn’t there the day before. The joint often becomes red, hot, swollen and extremely tender to touch. Some people even feel a bit feverish or generally unwell when it hits.

There are a few reasons why someone might be more likely to get gout. It can run in families, but diet and lifestyle play a big role too. Rich foods—like red meat, seafood, and alcohol—can contribute, especially beer and sugary drinks. Not drinking enough water, being overweight, or having conditions like high blood pressure or kidney problems can also raise your risk.

When you’re in the middle of an attack, the focus is on reducing pain and inflammation. Resting the joint, applying ice, and using anti-inflammatory medications can help settle things down. I always recommend keeping well hydrated, avoiding alcohol during a flare, and taking it easy.