Gout

Information, resources and tools to help you manage your gout symptoms and improve function.

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting as many as 1 million Canadians.

Gout can happen when there is too much uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is produced by the breakdown of purines, which are found in the foods we eat.

Kidneys help to filter out uric acid, which our bodies get rid of through urine. When the kidneys are not able to filter or process uric acid levels at the same rate they are being created, this can cause high uric acid levels to remain in the bloodstream.

Genetics play an important role for those at risk of having gout. Some bodies will breakdown purines into uric acid and be able to excrete excess uric acid more easily than others. Even if two people have the exact same diet and eating habits, one person could have higher levels of uric acid in their bloodstream, and be at an increased risk of developing gout.

After months to years of sustained high level of uric acid in the bloodstream (usually above 400 µmol/l) the uric acid can leave the bloodstream and form uric acid crystals in joints and soft tissues.

Uric acid crystals in soft tissues are usually found under the skin and form hard bumps with a white chalk-like colour. When they are present, these crystal deposits, called tophi [toe-fi] can usually be seen around the ears and around extensor tendons, which are found in hands and feet. Uric acid crystals in joints can be responsible for gout attacks.