If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night with a sudden, sharp pain in your joints, especially in your big toe, you might be dealing with Gout. This form of arthritis can be excruciating and often affects more men than women. But why is that? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
What Is Gout?
Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, and its prevalence is increasing as the population ages (Evans et al., 2019). It typically shows up suddenly, causing redness, swelling, and intense joint pain.
This condition develops when uric acid levels in the blood become too high, leading to the formation of sharp uric acid crystals that lodge in joints and trigger painful flare-ups (Yip et al., 2021).
While both men and women can get gout, men are at greater risk, especially between the ages of 30 and 50. Women typically don’t develop gout until after menopause, when protective hormone levels drop, reducing their ability to flush out uric acid (Gout Education Society, 2024)
Symptoms of Gout in Men
Although gout symptoms are similar across genders, men often experience earlier onset and more sudden, acute attacks. Common symptoms include:
• Sudden, sharp joint pain (often starting in the big toe)
• Swelling and redness
• Warmth in the affected area
• Limited range of motion
(Pittman et al., 1999; Dirken-Heukensfeldt et al., 2010).
What Causes Gout?
Certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen gout flares, especially those high in purines, which break down into uric acid. These include:
• Alcohol (especially beer and spirits)
• Seafood
• Red meats and organ meats
• Sugary drinks (like sodas and fruit juices)
(Dubchak & Falasca, 2010; Mayo Cinic, 2022)
How to Manage & Prevent Gout Flare-Ups
In addition to dietary changes, it is also helpful to
• Stay hydrated to help flush out uric acid.
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
• Try anti-inflammatory foods like cherries, berries, and leafy greens.
How Epicentre Can Help
Epicentre’s Arthritis & Inflammation Profile Package includes tests to confirm if you have gout or another inflammatory condition:
• Uric Acid Test
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
• Full Blood Count (FBC)
• Kidney Function Panel (U&E, Creatinine)
Book Your Gout Test Today
If you’re feeling out of balance, a quick lab visit could help you find the cause. Our expert team at Epicentre will guide you every step of the way.
📍 Visit one of our Walk-In Labs in Cape Town, Durban, or Johannesburg—or contact us to book your test!
References
• Dubchak, N., & Falasca, G. F. (2010). New and improved strategies for the treatment of gout. International Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease, 3, 145–166. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJNRD.S6048
• Hainer, B. L., Matheson, E., & Wilkes, R. T. (2014). Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gout. American family physician, 90(12), 831–836.
• Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Gout: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved May 7, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897
• Pittman, J. R., & Bross, M. H. (1999). Diagnosis and management of gout. American family physician, 59(7), 1799–1810.
• Yip K, Berman J. (2021) What Is Gout? JAMA.;326(24):2541. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.19770
