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PrintGout Blood Test
Gout is one of the most common causes of arthritis and is the most common cause of inflammatory joint disease in men over 40 years of age.
from
£65
It rarely affects women under the of 40, but is more common in women after the menopause.
Gout is essentially crystals of urate (from excess uric acid) that form around the joints and in the kidneys. If these crystals enter the joint they cause acute, intermittment and painful attacks of arthritis in the joints of the foot, knee, ankle, hand and wrist. If it is left untreated, the attacks may become more frequent, prolonged and more generalised. Gout can be treated with medication for the actual attack, lifestyle changes and if necessary drugs can be introduced to reduce the build up of uric acid.