Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health in general. They will check your medicines and ask about your diet and family history.
Your doctor will examine your painful joint. They will also look for other signs and complications of gout.
Tests for gout
Your doctor may take a sample of fluid from your painful joint. They will use a thin needle and send the fluid to a laboratory for tests. If you have gout, the laboratory will report urate crystals in the fluid.
Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to check your urate or uric acid levels.
An ultrasound scan of your painful joint may be recommended.
X-rays aren’t usually used to diagnose gout. If you have recurrent attacks of gout, your doctor may refer you for an x-ray to see if any damage has been done to your joints