{"id":628471,"date":"2024-06-28T09:30:12","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T13:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628471"},"modified":"2026-01-27T19:58:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T00:58:45","slug":"can-stress-cause-gout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-stress-cause-gout\/","title":{"rendered":"Can stress cause gout?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gout<\/span> is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints. It results from inflammation triggered by uric acid crystals deposited in the joints in individuals with elevated uric acid levels in the blood ( hyperuricemia). Not everyone who has hyperuricemia develops gout. Gout flares often come on suddenly at night, causing throbbing pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness that lasts a few days to a few weeks. Symptoms commonly start in the big toes, but gout attacks can also affect the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. <\/span>While stress can trigger gout flare-ups, it does not directly cause gout. Luckily, stress-reduction techniques can help keep these types of flares at bay.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does stress cause gout?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Gout typically develops in patients with <\/span>hyperuricemia<\/span> or chronically elevated uric acid levels in the blood. \u201cStress can impact your hormonal balances and metabolism, potentially affecting how uric acid is processed in your body,\u201d says\u00a0 <\/span>Raj Dasgupta, MD<\/span>, a quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine based in California. Additionally, stress-related behaviors, like a poor diet and increased alcohol intake, can elevate uric acid levels and trigger gout flare-ups, adds Dr. Dasgupta.<\/span><\/p>\n

Uric acid forms as a byproduct when the body breaks down the endogenous chemicals called purines, which are also found in red meat, alcohol, high fructose corn syrup, and shellfish like shrimp, scallops, mussels, and lobster. Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood, traveling through the kidneys before being eliminated in the urine. But when levels get too high, and the kidneys can’t remove them, needle-like uric acid crystals build up in tissues, potentially leading to gout or kidney stones.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are four stages of gout:<\/span><\/p>\n