Rheumatology  ·  Nephrology  ·  MVP Colony

Gout & Uric Acid Treatment in Visakhapatnam

Relief for painful gout attacks — and a long-term plan to bring uric acid down and protect the joints and kidneys.

Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli — MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology), CMC Vellore · Reg. No: APMC/FMR/96274
Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas — MD (Pediatrics), DM (Nephrology), PDF Renal Transplantation, CMC Vellore · Reg. No: APMC/FMR/102018

Attack reliefTarget uric acid below 6Kidney check
Doctor's direct line — Dr. Nagamounika: +91 91821 19306  ·  Dr. Sri Charan: +91 83091 19306
At a glanceCommon signs
Big toe pain
Hot, red joint
Night attacks
Kidney stones
Tophi lumps
High uric acid
Symptoms & tests ↓
🤝
Two specialists
Rheumatology + Nephrology
🏛️
CMC Vellore
Super-specialty training
📅
Book online
Pay at the clinic
🕘
Mon – Sat
MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam

Who treats Gout & High Uric Acid in Visakhapatnam?

At MRKC, Visakhapatnam, gout is treated by rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli. Because high uric acid is linked with kidney stones and chronic kidney disease, patients with kidney problems are also seen by nephrologist Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas in the same clinic.

What is Gout & High Uric Acid?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high uric acid in the blood. When uric acid stays high, it forms needle-like crystals in and around the joints. These crystals cause sudden attacks of severe pain, redness and swelling — very often in the big toe, but also the ankle, knee, wrist or fingers.

Gout is common in men after 30 and in women after menopause. It is linked with obesity, high BP, diabetes, kidney disease, alcohol (especially beer) and some medicines such as water tablets. Without treatment, attacks become more frequent and lumps of crystals (tophi) can damage the joints.

ℹ️
High uric acid without pain. Many people have high uric acid on a blood test but have never had gout. Not all of them need tablets. The decision depends on the level, kidney function, kidney stones and other conditions — the doctor will explain whether treatment is needed for you.

Who does what in your care

Rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli

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DiagnosisConfirms the disease and its activity with examination and antibody tests.
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Whole-body treatmentImmune-calming medicines for skin, joints, blood and other organs.
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Long-term follow-upFlare checks, steroid tapering, bone care and pregnancy planning.

Nephrologist Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas

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Kidney checksUrine protein, creatinine, eGFR and kidney ultrasound.
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Kidney biopsy decisionsWhen and why a biopsy is needed, and what it shows.
❤️
Kidney protectionBP and protein control, kidney-safe medicine doses.

Common symptoms

  • Sudden, severe pain in one joint, often starting at night
  • The joint becomes red, hot, shiny and very tender — even a bed sheet hurts
  • Big toe, ankle, knee or finger joints most often
  • Attacks that settle in 1–2 weeks and then come back
  • Hard, chalky lumps (tophi) near the joints, ears or elbows
  • Kidney stones or back/side pain

⚠️ See a doctor soon if you notice

Do not wait for your next appointment. For an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.

🌡️
Fever with a hot jointRule out joint infection the same day
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Less urineOr swelling of legs
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Severe side painPossible kidney stone
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Many joints at onceNeeds prompt review
Call 91824 19306

Tests that help

Not every patient needs every test. The doctor chooses tests based on your symptoms and old reports.

  • Serum uric acid (ideally checked 2–4 weeks after an attack settles)
  • Joint fluid test to see the crystals under a microscope — the surest test
  • Ultrasound of the joint to look for crystal deposits (done in our clinic)
  • Serum creatinine, eGFR and urine routine
  • Blood sugar, lipid profile and BP check
  • X-ray of joints in long-standing gout
  • Kidney ultrasound if there are stones

How we care for Gout & High Uric Acid at MRKC

1

Settle the attack

Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medicines such as colchicine, painkillers or a short course of steroids — chosen according to your kidney function.

2

Lower uric acid

For repeated attacks, tophi or kidney stones, uric acid lowering medicines such as febuxostat or allopurinol are started slowly and adjusted to a target (usually below 6 mg/dL).

3

Check the kidneys

Kidney function, stones and BP are checked. If there is kidney disease, Dr. Sri Charan helps choose safe medicines and doses.

4

Fewer attacks over time

Regular uric acid tests and steady treatment. Attacks usually become less frequent once uric acid stays at target for several months.

Everyday tips

💧
Drink enough water
2.5–3 litres a day unless your doctor has asked you to limit fluids.
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Cut alcohol
Beer and spirits raise uric acid; avoid during attacks.
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Limit red meat & seafood
Mutton, organ meat, prawns and crab can trigger attacks.
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Avoid sugary drinks
Soft drinks and packaged juices with fructose raise uric acid.

Frequently asked questions

Which doctor treats Gout & High Uric Acid in Visakhapatnam?
At MRKC, Visakhapatnam, gout is treated by rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli. Because high uric acid is linked with kidney stones and chronic kidney disease, patients with kidney problems are also seen by nephrologist Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas in the same clinic.
Can I stop uric acid tablets when the pain goes?
Usually no. Uric acid lowering tablets work by keeping the level low all the time. Stopping them lets uric acid rise again and attacks return. Discuss any change with your doctor.
Why did my gout get worse when I started tablets?
In the first few months, falling uric acid can loosen crystals and trigger attacks. That is why a small dose of colchicine or another medicine is often given along with the first months of treatment.
Is gout only from diet?
Diet plays a part, but genes, kidney function, body weight, alcohol and some medicines matter more. Many people with gout eat carefully and still need medicine.
Does gout affect the kidneys?
High uric acid can cause kidney stones and is linked with chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease, in turn, raises uric acid. That is why we check kidney function in every gout patient.
Should I avoid tomatoes and dal?
Plant foods such as dal, vegetables and tomatoes are generally safe in normal amounts. Red meat, organ meat, seafood, beer and sugary drinks matter much more.
How do I book an appointment at MRKC?
Book online at mrkc.in/emr/book, or call / WhatsApp 91824 19306. You can pay at the clinic. Please bring all old reports and your current medicines.

తెలుగులో

గౌట్ / యూరిక్ యాసిడ్ ఎక్కువ కోసం విశాఖపట్నం, MVP కాలనీలోని MRKC లో రుమటాలజిస్ట్ డా. నాగమౌనిక కొత్తపల్లి మరియు నెఫ్రాలజిస్ట్ (కిడ్నీ స్పెషలిస్ట్) డా. గోలి శ్రీ చరణ్ నివాస్ గారిని సంప్రదించండి. అపాయింట్‌మెంట్ కోసం 91824 19306 కు కాల్ లేదా వాట్సాప్ చేయండి.

This page gives general health information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli (Rheumatologist, Reg. No: APMC/FMR/96274) and Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas (Nephrologist, Reg. No: APMC/FMR/102018). Last reviewed: 27 October 2026.

Book a consultation for Gout & High Uric Acid

With rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli and nephrologist Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas at MRKC, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam.

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