Gout Symptoms: Understanding Pain, Diagnosis & Treatment

Question
Hello,

I've recently been told by my Acupuncturist that I have Gout.  I started seeing him for treatment for a terribly painful swollen knee situation. He gave me pills to make me pee, suggested I drink lots of water, and did acupuncture on my stomach.  I have seen some improvement, but as soon as the swelling and pain subside, it reappears days later.  I've made an appointment with a General Med. doctor, but want to make sure I am asking good questions, as I do not fit the profile of someone with Gout.  I am a 30 year old female, 5'3", and 115 lbs. I have a low to no meat diet and only drink occasionally.  Could these symptoms of Gout be caused from something else?  I've combed through the internet for nutrition info and am frustrated that those lists of foods aren't the profile of my diet in the first place! I'm hungry and in pain.

Answer
sounds like a complicated situation..... I am not sure I believe you have gout (yet)...... an elevated Uric Acid would convince me.... that is a clinical diagnosis ( from your description and physical exam ) and supported by an elevated uric acid.  However, other problems can appear like gout, such as pseuodogout, rheumatoid arthritis, other imflammatory arthritis problems... so.... before banning all the good foods, it might be reasonable to get a uric acid test as well as an ESR (sed rate) and if both aren't elevated, then you need to look elsewhere.  Hope this helps.