Pulmonology OPD:2:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Rheumatology OPD:10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Behind Nishant Tower, Gandhi Road, Akola
+91 74984 96987
At Nishchay Hospital, we provide expert pulmonology and rheumatology care, focused on accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment. Our specialists help you breathe easier and move better, under one roof.
Rheumatology Care
Gout & Uric Acid Treatment in Akola
A sudden attack of severe pain, swelling and redness in the big toe or another joint can make even the slightest movement uncomfortable. While gout is often associated with high uric acid, having a high uric acid level does not automatically mean that a person has gout.
At Nishchay Hospital, we provide specialist-led gout treatment in Akola under the care of Dr. Niti Y. Kedia, Rheumatologist. The focus is on confirming the cause of joint symptoms, treating acute attacks and, when needed, managing uric acid levels over the long term to reduce future attacks and complications.
At Nishchay Hospital, we provide expert pulmonology and rheumatology care, focused on accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment. Our specialists help you breathe easier and move better, under one roof.
Rheumatology Care
Gout & Uric Acid Treatment in Akola
A sudden attack of severe pain, swelling and redness in the big toe or another joint can make even the slightest movement uncomfortable. While gout is often associated with high uric acid, having a high uric acid level does not automatically mean that a person has gout.
At Nishchay Hospital, we provide specialist-led gout treatment in Akola under the care of Dr. Niti Y. Kedia, Rheumatologist. The focus is on confirming the cause of joint symptoms, treating acute attacks and, when needed, managing uric acid levels over the long term to reduce future attacks and complications.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of monosodium urate crystals in and around a joint.
These crystals form when uric acid levels remain high enough for urate to accumulate. When the immune system reacts to these crystals, it can trigger sudden and intense inflammation.
A gout attack may begin unexpectedly, sometimes during the night, with severe pain, swelling, warmth and redness in the affected joint.
The big toe is a common site, but gout can also affect the ankles, knees, feet, wrists, fingers and elbows.
Is High Uric Acid the Same as Gout?
No. High uric acid, also called hyperuricemia, does not necessarily mean that a person has gout. Many people may have elevated uric acid without developing symptoms.
Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate and cause inflammation.
This distinction matters because treatment decisions should be based on the person’s overall medical condition, symptoms, risk factors and, when necessary, further evaluation – not simply on one uric acid report.
What Triggers High Uric Acid
Uric acid builds up when the body either produces too much of it or the kidneys aren’t clearing it out efficiently enough – sometimes both happen together. Common contributing factors include:
A Diet Heavy in Red Meat, Organ Meats, or Certain Seafood
These foods are high in purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. Regularly eating large amounts can raise uric acid levels over time, especially when combined with other risk factors.
Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, or kidney disease
These conditions are linked with reduced uric acid clearance – kidney disease directly limits how well the body removes uric acid, while diabetes and high blood pressure are commonly seen alongside elevated levels.
Certain Medications, Including Some Diuretics
Some medications, particularly certain diuretics (“water pills”) used for blood pressure or fluid retention, can reduce the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid, contributing to higher levels over time.
Regular Alcohol Intake, Especially Beer
Alcohol, and beer in particular, increases uric acid production while also making it harder for the kidneys to clear it from the body — a combination that raises the risk of uric acid buildup.
Being Overweight
Excess body weight is linked to higher uric acid production and can also reduce how efficiently the kidneys eliminate it, making weight a significant factor in long-term uric acid control.
A Family History of Gout
Genetics can influence how the body produces and processes uric acid. Having a close family member with gout or high uric acid may increase your own likelihood of developing elevated levels.
Signs you shouldn't ignore
What Are the Symptoms of Gout?
A typical gout attack can develop quickly and may include:
- Sudden, severe joint pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth around the joint
- Extreme tenderness
- Difficulty walking or using the affected joint
- Stiffness or reduced movement
Beyond the big toe
The big toe is commonly affected, but symptoms may also occur in the ankles, knees, feet, wrists, fingers and elbows. The first attack may settle after a period of time, but repeated untreated attacks can become more frequent or last longer.
What Causes Gout?
Gout develops when the body has more uric acid than it can adequately eliminate or when it produces too much uric acid. Uric acid is produced naturally when the body breaks down purines. The kidneys normally remove much of it through urine. Factors associated with a higher risk of gout can include:
- Family history of gout
- Excess body weight
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes and metabolic conditions
- Certain medicines, including some diuretics
- Alcohol consumption
- Diets high in certain purine-rich foods
- Increasing age
- Previous episodes of gout
Not everyone with these risk factors develops gout, and gout can occur even when diet is not the main cause.
Can Gout Affect More Than the Joints?
Yes. Long-standing or poorly controlled gout can lead to deposits of urate crystals called tophi. These firm lumps can develop around joints, fingers, toes, elbows or other areas.
Gout is also associated with an increased risk of kidney stones and can occur alongside kidney disease.
This is why gout management is not only about treating pain during an attack. For people who need long-term treatment, controlling uric acid is an important part of preventing future problems.
How Is Gout Diagnosed?
A high uric acid level alone does not confirm gout. Diagnosis usually involves looking at the pattern of symptoms, physical examination, medical history and appropriate investigations.
Gout Treatment in Akola
Gout treatment really works on two separate tracks, and it’s important both are addressed:
Calming the Acute Attack
When a flare is active, the priority is fast relief – usually through anti-inflammatory medication, colchicine, or corticosteroids, depending on what suits the individual patient.
Controlling Uric Acid Long-Term
This prevents future attacks. For patients with recurrent gout, tophi, or kidney stones, medications like allopurinol or febuxostat may be needed to lower uric acid and prevent crystals from reforming.
Skipping this second step is one of the most common reasons gout keeps coming back – treating only the pain during an attack, without addressing the uric acid level between attacks.
Treatment During a Gout Attack & Long-Term Management
Treatment During a Gout Attack
Medicines used to control an acute attack may include anti-inflammatory medicines, colchicine or corticosteroids, depending on the patient’s medical history and what is clinically appropriate. Starting appropriate treatment early can help reduce the intensity and duration of an attack.
Long-Term Uric Acid Management
People with recurrent gout or certain complications may need long-term urate-lowering treatment. Medicines such as allopurinol or febuxostat may be prescribed when appropriate. The aim is to bring uric acid to a level where existing urate crystals can gradually dissolve, and new crystals are less likely to form. The target level is individualized according to the patient’s disease and clinical situation.
Managing Tophi and Recurrent Gout
Patients with frequent attacks, tophi, kidney stones or other complications may benefit from more structured long-term uric acid management. Regular monitoring helps determine whether treatment is achieving the desired level of disease control.
Diet and Lifestyle for Gout Management
Diet can influence uric acid levels and the risk of gout attacks, but diet alone is not enough for everyone with gout. Depending on your individual condition, your doctor may recommend:
Stay Hydrated
Adequate fluid intake can support kidney function and may help reduce the risk of uric acid kidney stones.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight, gradual and sustainable weight loss may help improve metabolic health and reduce gout risk.
Limit Certain Foods
Some people may benefit from limiting foods that are particularly high in purines, such as organ meats and certain types of seafood.
Reduce Sugary Drinks
Drinks containing high amounts of added sugar or fructose may increase the risk of gout and are best limited.
Limit Alcohol
Alcohol, particularly beer and spirits, can increase the risk of gout attacks in some people.
Stay Physically Active
Regular, appropriate physical activity supports overall health and weight management.
Dietary changes should complement — not replace — medical treatment when long-term uric acid-lowering therapy is indicated.
When Should You See a Rheumatologist for Gout?
Consider a rheumatology evaluation if you experience:
- Sudden severe joint pain
- Repeated episodes of joint swelling
- Painful or swollen big toe
- Recurrent ankle or knee attacks
- Persistently high uric acid levels
- Kidney stones along with elevated uric acid
- Tophi or firm lumps around joints
- Several gout attacks in a year
- Persistent joint pain despite treatment
- Questions about long-term uric acid management
Confirm the cause, not just the symptom
A specialist can help determine whether the symptoms are actually caused by gout and whether long-term treatment is appropriate.
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Rheumatologist in Akola
Dr. Niti Y. Kedia
Best Rheumatologist in Akola & Joint Pain Specialist
Dr. Niti Y. Kedia is a gold-medalist physician trained in Internal Medicine, with focused post-doctoral training in Rheumatology. She provides specialised arthritis and autoimmune care in Akola, backed by advanced diagnostic skills and international training.
She completed a 2-year post-doctoral Fellowship in Rheumatology at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi, and holds EULAR training in musculoskeletal ultrasound – a precision imaging technique that allows early and accurate detection of joint inflammation, often before it is visible on standard X-rays.
- Fellowship in Rheumatology – Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi
- MRCP (UK) Specialty Certificate Exam in Rheumatology
- EULAR-Trained in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- MD (Internal Medicine) – Gold Medalist, D. Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai
- DNB Internal Medicine
- MNAMS
Dr. Niti Kedia's Credentials at a Glance
Gold Medalist, MD Medicine
Top academic distinction in internal medicine
EULAR-Trained
Musculoskeletal ultrasound specialist
All-Ages Care
Adult & paediatric rheumatology
Rheumatologist in Akola
Dr. Niti Y. Kedia
Best Rheumatologist in Akola & Joint Pain Specialist
Dr. Niti Y. Kedia is a gold-medalist physician trained in Internal Medicine, with focused post-doctoral training in Rheumatology. She provides specialised arthritis and autoimmune care in Akola, backed by advanced diagnostic skills and international training.
She completed a 2-year post-doctoral Fellowship in Rheumatology at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi, and holds EULAR training in musculoskeletal ultrasound – a precision imaging technique that allows early and accurate detection of joint inflammation, often before it is visible on standard X-rays.
- Fellowship in Rheumatology – Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi
- MRCP (UK) Specialty Certificate Exam in Rheumatology
- EULAR-Trained in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- MD (Internal Medicine) – Gold Medalist, D. Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai
- DNB Internal Medicine
- MNAMS
Dr. Niti Kedia's Credentials at a Glance
Gold Medalist, MD Medicine
Top academic distinction in internal medicine
EULAR-Trained
Musculoskeletal ultrasound specialist
All-Ages Care
Adult & paediatric rheumatology
When Should You See a Rheumatologist for Gout?
Consider a rheumatology evaluation if you experience:
- Sudden severe joint pain
- Repeated episodes of joint swelling
- Painful or swollen big toe
- Recurrent ankle or knee attacks
- Persistently high uric acid levels
- Kidney stones along with elevated uric acid
- Tophi or firm lumps around joints
- Several gout attacks in a year
- Persistent joint pain despite treatment
- Questions about long-term uric acid management
Confirm the cause, not just the symptom
A specialist can help determine whether the symptoms are actually caused by gout and whether long-term treatment is appropriate.
When Should You See a Rheumatologist for Gout?
Consider a rheumatology evaluation if you experience:
- Sudden severe joint pain
- Repeated episodes of joint swelling
- Painful or swollen big toe
- Recurrent ankle or knee attacks
- Persistently high uric acid levels
- Kidney stones along with elevated uric acid
- Tophi or firm lumps around joints
- Several gout attacks in a year
- Persistent joint pain despite treatment
- Questions about long-term uric acid management
Confirm the cause, not just the symptom
A specialist can help determine whether the symptoms are actually caused by gout and whether long-term treatment is appropriate.
Gout vs High Uric Acid: What's the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things.
High Uric Acid
A blood test shows that uric acid is elevated. A person may have no symptoms or joint inflammation.
Gout
Urate crystals have accumulated and triggered inflammation, causing symptoms such as sudden joint pain, swelling, warmth and redness.
Therefore, having a high uric acid level does not automatically mean that you have gout, and a gout diagnosis should not be based on a blood test alone.
Is high uric acid the same as gout?
No. High uric acid means the level of uric acid in the blood is elevated. Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in tissues and trigger inflammation. Many people with high uric acid never develop gout.
What are the first signs of gout?
Gout often begins with sudden and intense pain in a joint, commonly the big toe. The joint may become swollen, red, warm and extremely tender.
Can gout affect the knee or ankle?
Yes. Although the big toe is a common site, gout can affect the ankle, knee, foot, wrist, fingers, elbow and other joints.
Can gout be cured permanently?
Gout can often be very effectively controlled with appropriate long-term treatment. For people who need urate-lowering therapy, maintaining uric acid at the recommended target can reduce attacks and gradually clear urate crystals.
Can diet alone control gout?
Diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of gout attacks, but they may not be enough for people who have recurrent gout, tophi or other indications for long-term urate-lowering medication.
Can women get gout too?
Yes. It’s more common in men, but women, particularly after menopause, can develop it as well.
What foods should be avoided in gout?
Depending on the individual, limiting organ meats, certain seafood, alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks may be recommended. A balanced diet, healthy weight and adequate hydration are also important.
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