Gout: recognising, preventing and treating the causes
October 9, 2025
5 min
Gout is a metabolic disorder caused by too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is formed from purines, which are found in many foods and in all body cells. As a rule, purines are broken down into uric acid, 80 per cent of which is excreted via the kidneys and 20 per cent via the intestines. If less uric acid is released from the body, it is deposited in the form of crystals in joints and causes inflammation.
Who is particularly at risk - does age play a role?
Yes - both age and gender (men are more frequently affected than women) are among the risk factors that cannot be influenced. In addition to these, however, there are also the following factors that can be influenced:
- Overweight and obesity
- High-calorie (hypercaloric) diet
- Alcohol consumption
- Metabolic diseases, for example diabetes mellitus
- Very rapid weight loss (ketone body formation)
How do you recognise gout and what are the typical symptoms
The onset of gout is often sudden and painful. Gout is typically characterised by severe joint pain, which often occurs at night.
The inflammation causes redness, swelling and a noticeable warming of the affected joint. The metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is particularly frequently affected, but knees, ankles and wrists can also be affected.
If the symptoms become chronic, the discomfort can be permanent. In some cases, so-called tophi form - deposits of uric acid crystals that become noticeable under the skin.
Anyone who observes such symptoms should definitely seek medical advice to clarify the diagnosis and receive targeted treatment.
Our support in the therapy centre at Zollikerberg Hospital
We would like to provide you with comprehensive support at the therapy centre:
- Nutritional counselling: We help you to structure your meals in such a way that they do not increase uric acid in the blood.
- Physiotherapy: exercise programmes that protect and strengthen the joints.
- Occupational therapy: We offer joint protection measures or strategies to protect the affected joints in everyday life, including the provision of aids if necessary.
- Lifestyle coaching: Together we develop realistic and sustainable strategies for everyday life, work and leisure.
- Monitoring and support: Regular follow-up checks and individual adjustment of measures to ensure that you remain symptom-free in the long term.
Weitere Beiträge
Counsellor
Breast cancer: ‘The earlier we detect a tumour, the better we can treat it’
What changes in the breast should women have investigated? When is early detection advisable, and how can breast cancer be treated on an individual basis today? Dr Teelke Beck, Senior Consultant at the Zollikerberg Breast Centre, answers the most important questions about breast cancer – from risk factors and early detection to modern therapies and complementary medicine.
Counsellor
The baby blues: When your emotions go on a rollercoaster ride after giving birth
In the first few days after giving birth, many mothers experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Joy and happiness can alternate with exhaustion, uncertainty or tears. This temporary dip in mood is known as the ‘baby blues’. Inge Werner, a breastfeeding counsellor at the Maternité in the Women’s Clinic at Zollikerberg Hospital, explains what lies behind it, what helps during this phase and the important role partners play in it.
Counsellor
How healthy is my heart? 7 signs you should get checked out
Our heart works round the clock – usually without us even realising it. But what if it suddenly skips a beat, starts beating faster, or we find ourselves unusually out of breath during everyday activities? Not every change is a sign of heart disease. However, certain symptoms should be investigated more closely. Our cardiologist, Dr Reto Berli, explains which seven signs you should take seriously and when a cardiological assessment is advisable.