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.

gout and hypertension - GoutSavvy.com

Your Blood Pressure Pill Might Be Behind Your Gout

June 27, 2026 by GoutSavvy Editorial Team

Your Blood Pressure Pill Might Be Behind Your Gout Your blood pressure is finally under control. Your doctor swapped your medication. Three months later, your foot blows up like a balloon and you are kicking yourself trying to figure out what went wrong. Here is the thing nobody told you. That new pill might be … Read more

Why Game Day Feasts Trigger Gout Flares: The Beer-Food Combo Your Joints Can’t Handle

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

It’s 3 AM. Your team just nailed the winning goal. You’re five beers deep, working through a bucket of fried chicken and your second helping of spicy crawfish. Life doesn’t get better than this. Six hours later, you wake up and your big toe feels like someone drove a nail into the joint. Sound familiar? … Read more

Gout and High Blood Pressure: The Dangerous Connection You Need to Know

July 10, 2026May 23, 2026 by GoutSavvy Editorial Team

Discover why half of all gout patients have hypertension. Learn which blood pressure medications raise uric acid, the benefits of losartan, and how the DASH diet can help both conditions simultaneously.