Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and soft tissues, resulting from chronically elevated serum uric acid levels.

How is gout diagnosed?

The gold standard is joint fluid analysis identifying monosodium urate crystals under polarized microscopy.

What uric acid level is considered high?

A serum uric acid level above 6.8 mg/dL is above the saturation point. The ACR treatment target is below 6.0 mg/dL.

What is the fastest way to stop a gout flare?

The ACR recommends colchicine, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids as first-line options for acute gout flares.

What foods trigger gout flares?

High-purine foods like organ meats and certain seafood, alcohol especially beer, and fructose-sweetened beverages.

Gout cannot be cured but can be effectively controlled with urate-lowering therapy to stop flares and dissolve crystal deposits.

Medical Advisor: Dr. Robert Stevens, MD

Dr. Robert Stevens, MD — Medical Advisor

Robert Stevens, MD

Dr. Robert Stevens serves as the Medical Advisor for GoutSavvy, where he oversees the medical accuracy and clinical integrity of our content. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Union College (New York), received his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from New York Medical College, and completed his internship in Internal Medicine at a Yale-affiliated hospital.

Dr. Stevens practiced urgent care and occupational medicine for more than 20 years in Phoenix and Los Angeles. While working as a Hollywood script consultant in Los Angeles, he developed a strong interest in writing and communication, which ultimately led him to pursue a full-time career in medical writing.

Today, Dr. Stevens focuses on medical writing, editing, and content review for patient education materials. He combines his clinical experience with a passion for clear communication, helping ensure that healthcare information is accurate, understandable, and accessible to readers.

Connect with Dr. Stevens on LinkedIn

Credentials

Education: BS, Union College (New York); MD, New York Medical College
Training: Internal Medicine internship at a Yale-affiliated hospital
Clinical Experience: 20+ years in urgent care and occupational medicine (Phoenix, AZ and Los Angeles, CA)
Current Role: Medical Advisor and content reviewer for GoutSavvy

Our Editorial Standards

Under Dr. Stevens’s guidance, GoutSavvy maintains rigorous editorial standards for all medical content:

Scientific accuracy: Claims are supported by current peer-reviewed research and clinical guidelines
Clinical relevance: Guidance aligns with established medical practice, including the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2020 Gout Guideline
Clarity: Language is accessible to non-medical readers without sacrificing precision
Completeness: Important caveats, drug interactions, and safety considerations are addressed

Content is regularly reviewed and updated when new research or guideline changes make older information obsolete.

Editorial Independence

GoutSavvy is independently owned and operated. Our medical review process is conducted without financial influence from pharmaceutical companies, supplement manufacturers, or any organization with a financial stake in gout treatment decisions.