How Is Gout Diagnosed and Can It Be Cured?

Getting an accurate gout diagnosis is an important first step toward managing the condition long term.

The gold standard for diagnosing gout is identifying uric acid crystals in fluid taken from the affected joint and examining them under a microscope. However, inserting a needle into an already painful, inflamed joint isn’t always practical or necessary.

When joint fluid testing isn’t an option, doctors may use a combination of blood uric acid levels, ultrasound, dual-energy CT (DECT) scans, and your medical history and physical exam to help make the diagnosis.

Gout: Cure vs. Long-Term Management

Gout generally isn’t a condition that can be addressed with a one-time treatment. Long-term management focuses on keeping uric acid levels low enough, for long enough, to allow existing urate crystals to gradually dissolve and prevent additional crystal buildup.

That process takes time. For many people who need urate-lowering therapy, treatment involves consistent, long-term medication and monitoring, rather than simply taking medicine for a short period after a flare goes away.

This is also why feeling better between attacks doesn’t necessarily mean the underlying problem is gone. Urate crystals can remain in the body between flares, even when a joint is no longer painful.

Review your most recent uric acid level and history of gout attacks with your doctor. Ask whether your current management plan is adequately controlling your uric acid—and whether UricEase could be an appropriate supplement alongside your existing regimen.