Key facts
- Gout often causes sudden episodes of severe joint pain and swelling.
- An affected joint may become red, warm and very tender.
- High uric acid can increase gout risk but does not diagnose gout by itself.
- Kidney health can affect how the body handles uric acid.
- Gout assessment considers the symptoms and clinical picture as well as test results.
Signs and symptoms
A gout attack often begins suddenly and usually causes intense pain in an affected joint.
The joint may become swollen, red, warm and very tender, and normal movement can become uncomfortable. Symptoms often occur as distinct flares rather than constant joint pain.
Risk factors
Higher uric acid levels
Reduced kidney function or other kidney health problems
A previous history of gout attacks
Family or personal susceptibility to gout
Metabolic health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes
Common causes
Gout develops when urate crystals form in and around a joint, causing inflammation. Higher uric acid levels can make this more likely, but not everyone with high uric acid develops gout. Kidney function and other metabolic health factors can also influence uric acid levels and gout risk.
How it is checked
A doctor will usually consider how suddenly the joint pain started, which joint is affected and whether there is swelling, redness or warmth. A uric acid blood test can provide useful information, while kidney-function testing may help assess related health factors. Uric acid results alone cannot confirm or exclude gout.
Assessment and investigations
Uric Acid
A uric acid blood test can help assess whether uric acid levels may be relevant to gout risk or monitoring, but the result does not diagnose gout by itself.
Kidney Function Test
Kidney-function tests may be useful because the kidneys help remove uric acid from the body, and kidney health can be relevant when gout or high uric acid is being assessed.
HbA1c
HbA1c may be considered as part of a broader metabolic health review because gout can occur alongside conditions such as diabetes and other metabolic risk factors.
When to see a doctor
Consider medical assessment if you develop sudden or recurring episodes of joint pain and swelling, especially when a joint becomes red, warm or very tender, or if you have previously been told that your uric acid is high and are experiencing new joint symptoms.
Urgent warning signs
Seek prompt medical assessment for a suddenly very painful, hot and swollen joint, particularly if you also have fever or feel significantly unwell.
Frequently asked questions
What are the typical symptoms of gout?
Gout commonly causes a sudden attack of severe joint pain with swelling, redness, warmth and tenderness. The pattern of symptoms and clinical assessment help determine whether gout is a likely cause.
Does high uric acid mean I have gout?
No. High uric acid can increase the likelihood of gout, but many people with high uric acid do not have gout. The result needs to be interpreted together with symptoms and other findings.
Can you have gout with a normal uric acid result?
A single uric acid result cannot by itself confirm or exclude gout. The timing of the test, symptoms and clinical assessment all matter.
Why are kidney tests relevant to gout?
The kidneys help remove uric acid from the body, so kidney health can be relevant when high uric acid or recurrent gout is being assessed.