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Patient Education

Gout

One of the most painful — and most treatable — forms of arthritis.
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Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Advice
FAQs
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Overview

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of uric-acid crystals in the joints. It typically begins with sudden, excruciating pain in the big toe but can affect any joint. With correct long-term uric-acid control, gout is one of the few forms of arthritis that can be fully prevented from recurring.

Symptoms

  • Sudden, intense joint pain — often starting at night
  • Swelling, redness and warmth of the affected joint
  • Limited range of motion during and after an attack
  • Recurrent flares if uric acid is not controlled
  • Tophi (uric-acid nodules) in longstanding disease

    • Causes

  • Elevated blood uric-acid levels (hyperuricaemia)
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Diet rich in red meat, organ meats, seafood and sugary drinks
  • Alcohol — particularly beer
  • Certain medications and kidney disease

    • Diagnosis

    • Serum uric-acid measurement
    • Joint fluid analysis to identify uric-acid crystals
    • Ultrasound to visualise crystal deposits
    • Assessment of kidney function and cardiovascular risk

    Treatment Options

    • NSAIDs, colchicine or short-course steroids for acute flares
    • Long-term urate-lowering therapy (Allopurinol, Febuxostat)
    • Treatment target: serum uric acid below 6 mg/dL (or 5 with tophi)
    • Management of associated conditions — hypertension, kidney disease

    Lifestyle Advice

  • Reduce red meat, shellfish and organ meats
  • Avoid sugary drinks and limit alcohol
  • Stay well hydrated — 2 to 3 litres of water daily
  • Maintain a healthy weight without crash dieting
  • Take urate-lowering therapy every day, even when pain-free
    • FAQ

    Common questions about Gout

    Related articles

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    A chronic autoimmune condition that attacks the joints — treatable, especially when caught early.

    Read the guide

    Joint Pain & Autoimmune

    When joint pain is more than 'wear and tear' — the specialist evaluation that makes the difference.

    Read the guide

    Osteoarthritis

    The most common form of arthritis — modern care can preserve movement and delay surgery for years.

    Read the guide
    In the consultation

    How this condition is managed in clinic

    A look inside daily practice — explaining diagnoses, reviewing imaging, and guiding patients of every age through their care plan.

    X-RAY REVIEW WITH PATIENT
    JOINT EXAMINATION
    EVIDENCE-BASED COUNSEL
    DEXA BONE-DENSITY REVIEW
    FAMILY CONSULTATION
    ANATOMY WALK-THROUGH

    Ready to feel better?

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    Call 0301-2399339
    Dr. Avinash Punshi
    Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist
    Compassionate, evidence-based rheumatology care across Karachi — helping patients live free of joint pain, longer.
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    OPD Timings

    • Doctor Ziauddin Hospital
      Clifton Campus, Block 2
      Mon · Wed · Fri·1:00 – 4:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,500
    • Ziauddin Hospital
      Kemari Branch
      Wednesday·12:00 – 2:00 PM
    • Ziauddin Hospital
      North Nazimabad, Block 2
      Tue · Thu · Sat·1:00 – 3:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,500
    • Rim Trauma Hospital
      PECHS Block 6, Shahrah-e-Faisal
      Tue · Thu · Sat·4:30 – 6:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,000
    • South City Hospital
      Shahrah-e-Firdousi, Clifton
      Tue · Thu·6:30 – 8:30 PM
      Fees Rs. 3,500
    • Islamabad Diagnostic Centre
      Rafiq Plaza, Lucky Star
      Mon · Wed · Fri · Sat·7:30 – 10:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,000
    • Islamabad Diagnostic Centre
      Rafiq Plaza, Lucky Star
      Tue · Thu·9:00 – 10:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,000
    Saturday appointments are subject to confirmation before your visit.

    Appointments: Mr. Vishal · +92 301 2399339

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    Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist · Karachi, Pakistan

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