Which specialist treats gout?

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by urate crystal build-up in a joint. An attack can produce sudden joint pain, swelling, and a hot, red joint; the ankle or big toe is often involved, but other joints can be affected. A clinician reviews the episode, examines the joint, and may recommend blood testing or joint aspiration when the diagnosis is uncertain. Chronic kidney disease and other health factors can affect treatment choices and follow-up.

Contact a primary-care doctor or rheumatologist during a new attack, particularly if the diagnosis has not been confirmed. Joint aspiration can identify crystals and help distinguish gout from infection in suitable cases. Once gout is established, the clinician can plan medicines to settle attacks and reduce future crystal formation, while checking kidney function, other medicines, and relevant conditions such as obesity. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

Seek urgent medical attention for a first severe attack, fever with a hot swollen joint, rapidly worsening pain, or feeling very unwell. Infection can resemble gout and needs prompt treatment. Urgent review is also appropriate when you cannot bear weight, swelling follows an injury, or joint redness spreads. Recurrent joint swelling deserves a planned review even if an attack settles.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, whether aspiration is appropriate, and what to do at the first sign of another attack. Discuss kidney checks, medicine interactions, long-term urate management, and the symptoms that should send you to urgent care.