Gout

Gout is a common, painful form of arthritis. It causes swollen, red, hot and stiff joints.

Appointments: 614-293-4837

Gout happens when uric acid builds up in your body. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of substances called purines. Purines are in your body's tissues and in foods, such as liver, dried beans and peas and anchovies. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood. It passes through the kidneys and out of the body in urine. But sometimes uric acid can build up and form needle-like crystals. When they form in your joints, it is very painful. The crystals can also cause kidney stones.

Often, gout first attacks your big toe. It can also attack ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows. At first, gout attacks usually get better in days. Eventually, attacks last longer and happen more frequently.

You are more likely to get gout if you:

  • Are a man
  • Have family member with gout
  • Are overweight
  • Drink alcohol
  • Eat too many foods rich in purines

Gout can be hard to diagnose. Your doctor may take a sample of fluid from an inflamed joint to look for crystals. You can treat gout with medicines.

Pseudogout has similar symptoms and is sometimes confused with gout. However, it is caused by calcium phosphate, not uric acid.

Our Providers

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Ruth Chan, DO
4.9 out of 5

Ruth Chan, DO

  • Rheumatology
  • Osteopathic Physician

Assistant Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine

Accepting new patients
  • Outpatient Care Upper Arlington
  • Outpatient Care Lewis Center
  • Rheumatology in Outpatient Care Upper Arlington
  • Rheumatology in Outpatient Care Lewis Center
(614) 293-4837
Jasmine Thai, MD

Jasmine Thai, MD

  • Rheumatology
  • Physician
Accepting new patients
(614) 293-4837
Ali Ajam, MBBS
4.9 out of 5

Ali Ajam, MBBS

  • Rheumatology
  • Physician

Associate Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine

Accepting new patients
  • Outpatient Care New Albany
  • Outpatient Care Dublin
  • Rheumatology in Outpatient Care Dublin
  • Rheumatology in Outpatient Care New Albany
(614) 293-4837

Our Locations

Ohio State Outpatient Care Lewis Center

Rheumatology

in Outpatient Care Lewis Center
6515 Pullman Drive
Suite 2200
Lewis Center, OH 43035
614-293-4837
Ohio State Outpatient Care Upper Arlington

Rheumatology

in Outpatient Care Upper Arlington
1800 Zollinger Road
Columbus, OH 43221
614-293-4837
Ohio State Outpatient Care East

Rheumatology

in Outpatient Care East
543 Taylor Ave.
Suite 3084
Columbus, OH 43203
614-293-4837

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