Learn about gout, a type of arthritis associated with CKD.
Did you know that a type of arthritis called gout is common among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients? This is because gout occurs when uric acid levels are too high, which can happen when CKD patients are unable to excrete excess uric acid properly. Learn more about gout, including causes, symptoms, testing, and treatments.*
Uric acid is a normal body waste that comes from the breakdown of purines, a chemical both made by our bodies and absorbed from what we eat. When uric acid levels get too high, hard crystals can form from the acid. Over time, these crystals settle into your joints, causing the inflammation and pain known as gout.
CKD can prevent your body from removing excess uric acid, putting you at higher risk for gout. Some other known risks include:
Gout often causes intense pain during flare-ups (referred to as a “gout attack”). Along with pain, you may also experience:
A common place to experience gout is in the big toe, where more than half of patients have their first gout attack. Gout of the big toe is called ‘podagra.’
If your doctor suspects that you have gout, they will likely order one or more of these diagnostic tests.
Treating gout is important, as it can become a long-term, painful problem if left untreated. It can damage joints and even lead to kidney stones. Your doctor will help you to decide the best treatment option depending on your symptom severity, inflammation location, and more.
Some medicinal treatments your doctor may discuss could include:
Some ways to help lower your risk for gout flare-ups include:
While gout is a serious condition, it can be managed well with few symptoms. Speak with your healthcare team if you think you may have gout or have questions about how your gout is being treated.
*Gout and Kidney Disease. (2021, August 2). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/gout/gout-kidney-disease#:~
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