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Gout Tests & Diagnosis

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the tissue surrounding joints. Gout symptoms include swelling, redness and stiffness. Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can also attack the knees, ankles, elbows and wrists.

  1. Physical Exams

    • Before diagnosing a patient with a gout condition, doctors first examine the affected joints and evaluate the patient's symptoms. Physicians also determine whether the patient has a family history of gout.

    Lab Tests

    • Physicians typically take fluid samples from affected joints to look for urate crystals. They often order X-rays and blood tests in order to rule out any other conditions that might be causing the symptoms.

    Uric Acid Tests

    • Doctors order uric acid tests to determine the level of uric acid in a patient's body.

    Diagnosis

    • Physicians diagnose a patient with gout once they rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, primarily rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial infections.

    Treatments

    • Gout treatment typically includes a prescription of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and control inflammation. Doctors often prescribe steroid medications to gout patients who can't take NSAIDs.

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