Gout – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley

Key Points

Gout is a common form of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood, leading to painful crystal deposits in the joints.

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It often affects the big toe but can occur in ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers.

Symptoms include sudden severe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint.

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide osteopathic care, ultrasound imaging, blood tests, and rehabilitation advice to help manage gout and reduce recurrence risk.

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What is Gout?

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis triggered when uric acid levels in the blood become too high. Uric acid crystals form and deposit in joints, causing intense pain and swelling.

It most often affects the big toe (podagra) but can occur in multiple joints.

Gout attacks usually come on suddenly, often overnight, and can be severe enough to disrupt walking and sleep.

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Symptoms of Gout

• Sudden, intense joint pain (commonly at night)

• Redness, swelling, and warmth over the joint

• Tenderness so severe that even light pressure is painful

• Limited joint movement during attacks

• Flares lasting days to weeks if untreated

• Recurrent attacks can damage joints and soft tissues

Causes & Risk Factors

• High uric acid levels (from diet, genetics, or reduced kidney clearance)

• Dietary triggers: red meat, shellfish, alcohol (especially beer/spirits), sugary drinks

• Obesity & metabolic syndrome

• Medical conditions: high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease

• Certain medications (e.g. diuretics, aspirin)

• Family history of gout

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Diagnosis of Gout

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis may include:

• Osteopathic assessment – examining affected joints for swelling, tenderness, and mobility.

• Ultrasound imaging – to visualise uric acid crystal deposits and joint inflammation.

• Blood tests – to measure uric acid levels, kidney function, and metabolic health.

• Referral – for joint aspiration (gold standard) or advanced imaging if diagnosis is uncertain.

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Self-Help for Gout

• Rest and elevate the affected joint during flare-ups

• Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation

• Stay well hydrated to help flush uric acid

• Avoid alcohol, red meat, and high-purine foods during flares

• Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care – gentle techniques to maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness
✅ Ultrasound imaging – to confirm crystal deposits and monitor flare recovery
✅ Blood testing – uric acid levels, kidney function, metabolic review
✅ Lifestyle advice – nutrition and exercise strategies to reduce recurrence
✅ Referral support – where needed, we work with your GP for long-term medication (allopurinol, febuxostat)

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Prevention

• Keep uric acid levels under control through diet and, if required, medication

• Drink water regularly throughout the day

• Limit alcohol, red meat, and sugary drinks

• Include more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy in your diet

• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly

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FAQs – Gout

Q: Does gout only affect the big toe?
No. While the big toe is common, gout can affect ankles, knees, fingers, wrists, and elbows.

Q: Do I need a blood test?
Yes. Measuring uric acid levels helps confirm diagnosis and guide long-term management.

Q: Can gout be cured?
Not cured, but it can be controlled with treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes to prevent flares.

Q: Why is ultrasound useful for gout?
It helps confirm crystal deposits in joints and rule out other causes of pain.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let gout limit your life. Book your gout assessment in Bromley today for fast diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term prevention.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available