Gout
Historically called the disease of kings, gout has affected people since 2640 BCE.* It’s a painful form of arthritis that affects the joints. Gout attacks are treated with medication. Prevention may require diet changes.*
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Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Looking for information about treating gout? We have you covered.
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes inflammed, painful or swollen joints. It often affects the big toe and parts of the foot.
Normally, the body gets rid of a waste product called uric acid by passing it through urine. However, sometimes the body can’t get rid of uric acid. When this happens, uric acid builds up and forms very sharp crystals (similar to icicles or needles). These crystals can get stuck in the spaces between joints and cause painful arthritis.*
What symptoms can occur with gout?
Pain is the most obvious symptom of gout, but many things can cause pain. Compared to other types of arthritis pain, gout can be extremely painful, but it only affects a single joint at a time. It is nearly impossible to walk on or even put weight on a foot that has gout. Other symptoms of gout include the following:*
- Joints that are warm to the touch
- Pain in joints
- Redness of joints
Even though the base of the big toe is a common place for gout to attack, other joints can be affected:*
- Ankles
- Arch of the foot (your instep)
- Elbows
- Fingers
- Heels
- Knees
- Wrists
Getting help
A MinuteClinic provider can discuss your symptoms and health history. They can examine you and develop a treatment plan. They may prescribe medication that lowers uric acid levels or that treats the pain and swelling associated with gout.
- You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.- When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
- Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
- At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Gout has been around since ancient times and is sometimes called the “disease of kings.” People have long believed that gout is caused by excess eating and drinking, particularly high-sugar foods and wine. While alcohol can contribute to the development of gout, it is not the only thing that can cause the problem. Risk factors for gout include the following:*
- Alcohol intake
- Certain medications
- Crash diets
- Dehydration
- Food high in fructose (fruit sugar)
- Inherited traits
- Joint injury
- Red meat
- Shellfish
- Stress
- Sudden infection
- Sugary drinks
A health care provider treats gout with medication that lowers uric acid levels.* This helps prevent the crystals that cause the pain. Anti-inflammatory medications and steroids may also be prescribed.
A MinuteClinic provider can discuss your symptoms and health history. They can examine you and develop a treatment plan. They may prescribe medication to lower uric acid levels as well as treat the pain and swelling associated with gout.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
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*FOR 2640 BCE SOURCE: Tang SCW. Gout: Disease of Kings. Contributions to Nephrology. 2018;192:77-81.
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*FOR DIET CHANGES SOURCE: Cleveland Clinic. Gout. Updated February 19, 2023.
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*FOR CAUSE PAINFUL ARTHRITIS SOURCE: American College of Rheumatology. Gout. Updated February 2025.
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*FOR OTHER SYMPTOMS SOURCE: Stanford Medicine. Gout symptoms. Accessed June 5, 2025.
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*FOR OTHER JOINTS CAN BE AFFECTED SOURCE: Mayo Clinic. Gout. Updated November 16, 2022.
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*FOR RISK FACTORS SOURCE: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Gout. National Institutes of Health. Updated December 2023.
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*FOR LOWERS URIC ACID LEVELS SOURCE: Cleveland Clinic. Gout. Updated February 19, 2023.