Just saw my husband’s foot and I’m panicking. It’s huge and red and he says it feels like it’s on fire. Emergency care is hours away. What is this?

Gout flares are often triggered by diet and lifestyle factors. Foods high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, and sugary drinks, can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Alcohol, particularly beer, is another common trigger due to its purine content and its effect on uric acid excretion.

Dehydration, obesity, and certain medications, like diuretics used to treat hypertension, can also contribute to increased uric acid levels. Stress, both physical and emotional, is another potential trigger, as it can lead to changes in lifestyle habits that exacerbate gout.

Doctors typically diagnose gout through a combination of clinical evaluation and tests. A definitive diagnosis often involves extracting fluid from the affected joint and examining it under a microscope for uric acid crystals. Blood tests to measure uric acid levels can also provide supportive evidence but are not conclusive on their own.