Gout Health Video

Gout is formed by the build up of uric acid in the blood. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of gout in this free health video.

Take Action

Consult a doctor immediately
Alter diet & avoid alcohol
Medication is required for long term cases of gout

About this Author

Dr. Sewell joined On Call Medical Group after serving as the Medical Director of the Samaritan House in San Mateo. Dr. Sewell continues his community service and out reach work by acting locally. Dr. Sewell strives to provide the most comprehensive, personalized, and convenient medical care possible. He is dedicated to meeting each patient's individual needs and health care goals. Dr. Sewell has served the San Francisco Bay area as a house call doctor, he spends time with his patients to get to the root cause of their issues and concerns. He has worked with the elderly and continues in Internal Medicine with adult patients. Dr. Sewell's educational background includes Duke University BSE Biomedical/Electrical engineering; Georgetown University Masters in Biophysics and Physiology; Virginia Commonwealth University MD degree; California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, Internal medicine internship and residency. Dr. Sewell is versed in Spanish and is an expert in the field of Travel Medicine.

CLIFFORD SEWELL, MD: Hello. I'm Dr. Clifford Sewell. A brief message about gout. Gout is formed by the build up of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine degradation. Purines are common source of some food groups such as anchovies and liver and other meats. The uric acid level builds up in the blood and eventually it is to a point where it crystalizes and deposits in the joints. The classic picture of a gout patient is the large toe of an obese gentleman which is inflamed and hot and swollen. Gout is one of the more painful conditions that I've come across as a physician. The patient complains of severe pain, generally in the large joints including the big toe, knees, ankles and elbows. Gout is readily treated by a physician with medications. There are different medications depending on the acute episode and the maintenance and prevention of gout. Prevention of gout can be maintained by diet and abstinence from alcohol. Alcohol has been shown to be number one trigger for gout episodes in many patients. Diet restriction as well as alcohol refrainment often times aren't enough though and medication is required on a long term basis to prevent future gouty attacks and kidney stones.