Gout risks may increase during autumn, according to rheumatologist

While gout is not a seasonal disease, several factors in autumn can influence its progression and the risk of attacks. Rheumatologist Marija Montvydaitė notes that global prevalence has increased by more than one-fifth over the last three decades, making timely diagnosis and long-term control essential.

Lower temperatures can reduce the solubility of urate crystals, making them more likely to accumulate in joints far from the body's center. Additionally, autumn lifestyle changes—such as reduced fluid intake due to less thirst, more calorie-dense diets, and decreased physical activity—can contribute to metabolic issues and weight gain associated with the condition.

A hallmark of a gout attack is its sudden onset. Symptoms can develop within hours; a person may feel fine in the evening but wake up in the morning with intense joint pain and swelling. While the base joint of the big toe is most commonly affected, attacks can also occur in the ankle, knee, or other foot joints.