It's important to recognize that individuals can experience multiple types of arthritis simultaneously, and identifying the specific type can greatly assist in managing your symptoms. A gout is a distinct form of arthritis that can co-occur with various other arthritis types, including osteoarthritis (OA) and autoimmune-inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Gout manifests when there is an accumulation of uric acid leading to the formation of crystals deposited within joint tissues. This results in sudden and intense pain, as well as swelling and tenderness. Typically, gout attacks target the big toe, but they can also affect other joints like the feet, ankles, hands, knees, wrists, and elbows. While gout primarily impacts one joint at a time, chronic cases may involve multiple joints.

Distinguishing between gout and other arthritis forms is crucial since the treatment approaches can vary significantly. If you suspect you have gout, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider promptly. Early intervention not only alleviates pain but also enhances overall management. Moreover, it's worth noting that gout can coexist with other forms of arthritis, further emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.

Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis 

For decades, rheumatoid arthritis and gout were thought to be mutually exclusive, but it has become clear that some people with RA also get gout. A study published in 2020 involving 2,000 patients with RA found that 17% also had gout. These patients were older, mostly male, and had co-existing high blood pressure and heart disease — common conditions in both RA and gout. These conditions also raised their risk of early death than people without gout.

Gout and Osteoarthritis

The co-occurrence of osteoarthritis (OA) and gout is a topic of interest, with questions surrounding the causative relationship between them. The joint damage associated with OA may provide a favorable environment for the deposition of gout's characteristic uric acid crystals. Conversely, these crystals may induce inflammation, rendering joints more susceptible to the cartilage breakdown typically seen in OA. Regardless of which condition manifests first, it's essential to note that being overweight is a common risk factor for both gout and OA. Therefore, it is advisable to focus on maintaining a healthy weight as part of your overall health management.

Gout and Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and gout also share obesity as a common risk factor, and individuals with gout who also have PsA tend to exhibit elevated uric acid levels. However, in a 2020 review article featured in Clinical Rheumatology, French researchers propose a significantly intricate connection between these two conditions, which they've coined 'psout.' They posit that elevated uric acid levels may contribute to the development of PsA, suggesting that gout and PsA may not be entirely distinct entities but rather overlap as a form of inflammatory arthritis, encompassing symptoms resembling those seen in various immune-related disorders. Furthermore, they propose the potential use of uric acid-lowering medications commonly employed for gout treatment in managing PsA. Although these diseases share numerous similarities, further research is essential to comprehensively define their interrelationship.

Gout and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Similarly, it was once thought that the co-occurrence of gout and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was infrequent. However, a study published in Rheumatology International in 2019 challenged this perception. The research, which involved 3,763 AS patients and 19,214 individuals without AS, revealed some intriguing findings. It was discovered that gout occurred more frequently in individuals with AS compared to those without AS. Specifically, nearly 2% of AS patients experienced gout, whereas just over 0.5% of those without AS had gout. This led the researchers to conclude that gout may not be less common in AS; in fact, it might be more prevalent, particularly among men and individuals aged 40 to 60.

Moreover, the study highlighted some additional insights. It found that ankylosing spondylitis was more prevalent among smokers and those with hypertension. Conversely, gout was more commonly observed in AS patients with a body mass index within the normal range, under 25.