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.

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Protein and Gout: The Messy Truth About Eating More Without Flaring Up

July 10, 2026June 1, 2026 by GoutSavvy Editorial Team

I spent way too long being scared of protein when I had gout. I mean, everything has purines, right? So just… eat less of everything? That’s basically what I did for my first two years with gout, and honestly, looking back, I was probably undereating protein by a lot. My energy was terrible. I felt … Read more

Ice or Heat for Gout? The Right Way to Soothe a Flare

June 8, 2026May 26, 2026 by GoutSavvy Editorial Team

The Great Gout Question: Ice or Heat? When a gout flare strikes, you are probably desperate for anything that will ease the pain and swelling. You have heard that ice can help with injuries. You have also heard that heat feels soothing. So which one should you reach for? This is one of the most … Read more