Gary Edwards
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Hip, knee, leg and foot · Gout
Gout advice and assessment in Tunbridge Wells
Gout causes sudden attacks of severe pain and swelling in a joint, very often the big toe. It’s very treatable, but long-term treatment is usually managed with your GP. We can help assess painful joints and ease symptoms.
- UltrasoundTo look at the joint
- From £120Ultrasound scan
- FreeInjection consultation
- GPFor long-term treatment
The condition
What is gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It happens when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals in and around a joint, causing sudden, intense inflammation.
It’s more common in men, and linked to genetics, kidney problems, some medicines, being overweight, alcohol (especially beer) and a diet high in red meat, seafood and sugary drinks.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gout
Sudden severe pain
Pain that comes on quickly, often overnight, and is at its worst within a day.
Swelling and redness
A hot, swollen, red or purple joint.
Big toe
The big toe is most often affected, but the ankle, knee, wrist and fingers can be too.
Very tender skin
Even the weight of a bedsheet can be painful.
A hot, swollen joint with a fever or feeling unwell could be an infection, which needs urgent medical attention.
Treatment options
How we can help
Gout attacks and long-term treatment are usually managed by your GP. At Vale, we can help with:
Ultrasound scan
From £120
An ultrasound scan, which can show signs of gout crystals in a joint and help with diagnosis.
Steroid injection
£250
In some cases, an ultrasound-guided steroid injection to settle a flare in a single joint, once infection has been ruled out.
About steroid injection →
Not sure which treatment is right for you?Book a consultation and we’ll talk you through your options.
Why patients choose Vale
Benefits of treatment
Ultrasound scanning on site
Injections guided by ultrasound
Clear advice on lifestyle changes
Liaison with your GP
How it works
Your four-step journey
- 01
Get in touch
Book online or call us. Many of our consultations are free.
- 02
Assessment
We listen to your history, examine you and, where it helps, scan the area with ultrasound.
- 03
Your plan
We explain what we think is going on and your options, with costs, so you can decide.
- 04
Treatment and review
We start treatment if it’s right for you, and check your progress as you go.
Long-term treatment
Working with your GP
If you have repeated attacks, your GP may suggest a daily medicine to lower uric acid levels, such as allopurinol, and a blood test to monitor it. This is the most effective way to prevent attacks and joint damage, and we’d encourage you to discuss it with them.
Your clinicians
Meet the team
Dr Gabriel Azzini
Doctor, Sport & Exercise Medicine
GMC 7689922
Registered and regulated
Your questions
gout questions answered
Can gout be cured?
Gout can’t be cured, but it can be very well controlled. Medicines from your GP that lower uric acid can stop attacks altogether for many people.
What should I do during an attack?
Rest and raise the joint, keep it cool, and drink plenty of water. See your GP or pharmacist about anti-inflammatory medicine.
Do I need to change my diet?
It can help, but diet alone rarely controls gout. Cutting down on alcohol, sugary drinks and large amounts of red meat and seafood, and losing weight if needed, all help.
Got another question?Ask us at your consultation. You don’t have to go ahead.
Get started
Take the next step
- Book onlineBook a consultation →
- Call01892 543029
- Emailinfo@valehealthclinic.co.uk
- ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
Written by Gary Edwards, Injection Therapist (PG Cert Injection Therapy) and Chiropractor (GCC 03996). Last updated 15 October 2026.