Don’t live with gout pain. See a rheumatologist. Dr. Kari Sutter cares for patients at two Kelsey-Seybold locations: the Main Campus and Humble. To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold rheumatologist, call 713-442-0427 or complete our online physician request form. You'll get a response in 24 hours or less!

Q: How can I prevent recurring gout attacks?

A: "Gout is an inflammatory arthritis condition caused by the build-up of excess uric acid that has formed into crystals and deposited in joints," says Kari Sutter, MD, a specialist in Rheumatology at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "Most patients experience repeat attacks."

Uric acid is a waste product formed by the body’s breakdown of substances found in animal meat products.

"Gout attacks may subside in a few days," Dr. Sutter says. "However, some last for weeks."

Acute attacks can have a rapid onset of joint pain followed by swelling, redness and intense tenderness.

"The small joint at the base of the big toe is the most common site of an acute attack. But other joints can be affected, including the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows," she adds.

About 1 million people in the United States suffer from gout. Men, particularly those between 40 and 50, are more likely to develop gout than women.

"Prevention involves drinking adequate amounts of nonalcoholic fluids, making certain dietary changes and maintaining a healthy weight range," says Dr. Sutter who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Humble Clinic and Main Campus locations. "And we have prescription medications to lower the uric acid level in the bloodstream."

Chronic gout, if untreated, can have serious medical consequences. Severe cases have caused kidney stones and kidney failure.

"Diet, lifestyle changes and medication therapy, combined with regular monitoring by a knowledgeable rheumatologist, are your best bets for preventing attacks," she concludes.