Gout: Why the Right Diagnosis Can Change Everything
Gout is sometimes misunderstood as a condition of the past, or one linked only to diet and lifestyle. In reality, it’s a common cause of sudden, severe joint pain — and when left untreated, it can be incredibly disabling.
One patient described their experience:
“Out of the blue, I developed an excruciatingly painful ankle. I went to A&E and was dismissed. I went to my GP and they just gave me painkillers. This happened again, and I was hobbling around, unable to go to work. One visit to see Dr. Singh and he quickly diagnosed me with gout.”
Gout is caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints. Attacks are often sudden and extremely painful, and they can easily be mistaken for other problems if not properly assessed. Getting the diagnosis right is key, because effective treatments work quickly.
“Within days of his treatment, I was back running. Since then, I have seen him regularly to get my uric acid under control, and I haven’t had a flare-up since.”
This story highlights three important truths about gout:
It is common and treatable. Modern medication can stop attacks within days.
Diagnosis matters. Not every swollen joint is arthritis or injury — gout is often missed.
Prevention is possible. Once uric acid levels are controlled, future flares can be avoided.
If you’ve had sudden joint pain that hasn’t been properly explained, it’s worth asking whether gout could be the cause. With the right diagnosis and long-term management, you can get back to living — and running — without flare-ups.
Please note, these posts are for general information only and do not constitute medical advice. Dr Singh would encourage you to speak to your healthcare professional to be assessed and managed for your specific symptoms.
