Health expert warns of big mistake gym-goers make that causes painful gout

Gout is one most common inflammatory forms of arthritis and affects around 2.5% or one in 40 people in the UK, and men more than women.

TV GP Dr. Hilary Jones has admitted to be a sufferer and he warned Brits that cases of gout are expected to drastically surge by more than 70%.

He said: Unfortunately, this Christmas I was one of them.

“The prevalence of gout has been steadily increasing over the last century and is forecast to increase further by more than 70% in the next 30 years largely due to an ageing population.”

According to the NHS the main symptoms of gout are sudden severe pain in a joint – usually your big toe, but it can be in other joints in your feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows or knees. Sufferers also experience, swollen, red skin over the affected joint.

Dr. Hilary said diets and rapid weight loss could bring on gout. Foods that are high in purine and converted to uric acid such as red meat, offal and game meats like venison, can make the condition worse.

He said: “Rapid weight loss and cutting out alcohol suddenly can also actually trigger gout attacks. This happens because rapid weight loss breaks down cells in the body, releasing uric acid into the bloodstream and increasing the likelihood of urate crystal formation in the joints.”

Weight loss is not the only suprising thing that can cause gout.

Nataly Komova a registered dietician and nutritionist, said intense exertion, such as high intensity exercise can temporarily elevate uric acid, which causes gout.

She said: “If someone already struggles with gout, pushing too hard during exercise isn’t going to help. Gentle, consistent movement is usually better in that case, and anything too strenuous during a flare-up should be avoided.”

Dr Hilary has joined forces with Newfoundland Diagnostics to get more Brits self-testing for gout; “Anyone who has previously been diagnosed with gout will know exactly what the symptoms are, but anyone experiencing it for the first time might attribute it to something else and suffer in silence.

“My advice, if in doubt, would be to get a do-it-yourself test done as quickly as possible, as I did.”

1. Approach any new diet or exercise regime with caution: Crash diets and dropping alcohol suddenly could lead to an increase in the production of uric acid from your body and therefore gout cases.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight:Excess weight can elevate uric acid levels and place added stress on your joints. Gradual weight loss, through a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help reduce symptoms.

3. Stay Hydrated:Drinking plenty of water helps flush uric acid from your body, reducing the risk of crystal formation in your joints. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water daily.

4. Adopt a Low-Purine Diet:Focus on a diet that limits purine-rich foods such as red meat, shellfish, and asparagus. Instead, prioritise vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, which are less likely to trigger flare-ups.

5. Follow Your Treatment Plan:If your doctor has prescribed medications like allopurinol or colchicine, take them as directed to control uric acid levels and prevent flare-ups. For acute attacks, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and swelling. Always consult your doctor for personalised advice.

Dr. Hilary said: “While gout is often associated with joint pain and swelling, there are several lesser-known symptoms that people may not immediately link to the condition.”

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED):Men with gout have a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Studies suggest they are also more likely to experience severe cases of ED, potentially due to the systemic inflammation and vascular issues associated with gout.

• Nocturnal Pain:Gout attacks frequently occur at night, disrupting sleep with sharp, intense pain. Even outside of acute flare-ups, some individuals may experience lingering joint discomfort or sensitivity that worsens during the night.

• Itchy or Peeling Skin Around the Joint:After a severe flare-up, the skin over the affected joint may begin to peel or flake, accompanied by itchiness. This occurs as the inflammation subsides and the body works to repair the damaged skin.

• Chronic Fatigue:Although primarily a joint condition, gout can leave sufferers feeling unusually fatigued or drained. Some people report low energy levels or a general sense of malaise before or during an attack, which can further impact daily life.