Gout and kidney disease are deeply connected, and when both conditions occur together, they can make each other worse. Yet many people with this combination are misdiagnosed, undertreated, or blamed for their symptoms. That's why leading kidney and joint health experts gathered in February 2026 for a National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Scientific Workshop to address critical gaps in care.

Why Does Kidney Disease Increase Gout Risk?

The connection between these two conditions starts with a waste product called uric acid. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering uric acid out of your body. When kidney function declines, as it does in chronic kidney disease (CKD), uric acid builds up in the blood more quickly. This buildup can form sharp crystals in the joints, triggering gout, which causes intense pain and swelling.

The problem doesn't stop there. If gout isn't treated properly, those uric acid crystals can further damage the kidneys, creating a harmful cycle. This is why early diagnosis and proper treatment are especially important for people living with both conditions.

How Are Gout Patients Being Misdiagnosed?

Despite being one of the most common and serious forms of arthritis, gout is frequently missed or misdiagnosed in people with kidney disease. Many patients report feeling overlooked or blamed for their symptoms. Healthcare providers often attribute gout pain to diet alone, or they miss the diagnosis entirely.

This happens partly because outdated myths persist about gout. While diet can influence symptoms, it is rarely the sole cause. Genetics plays a major role in who develops gout, yet patients often feel blamed for a condition largely beyond their control.

"This workshop explored the large gaps in clinical care and research that exist when patients with chronic kidney disease have gout. The specialists and patients defined the agenda to enhance the knowledge of gout and CKD and proposed future research questions," said Angelo Gaffo, co-chair of the workshop.

Angelo Gaffo, Rheumatologist, Co-Chair of NKF Scientific Workshop

What Four Areas Need to Improve in Gout Care?

The workshop brought together patients, care partners, and leading experts to identify where care is falling short. Participants reached a shared understanding that gout management in CKD requires improvement in four specific areas:

• Earlier and More Accurate Diagnosis: Providers need to take symptoms seriously, especially when patients have a family history of gout or kidney disease. This means asking the right questions and not dismissing joint pain as something else.
• Better Use of Medications: Some medications used to treat high blood pressure or diabetes may also help manage gout. Patients should discuss with their healthcare team whether their current treatment plan supports both kidney health and gout control.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Gout is often treated only during flare-ups, but research shows it is a progressive disease requiring ongoing management. Not everyone with high uric acid levels will develop gout or need treatment, while others may experience refractory gout, a recurring form that is difficult to treat. Care must be tailored to each person's symptoms and risk factors.
• Breaking the Myths: Gout is not a personal failure caused by eating the "wrong" foods or by weight. Blaming patients only delays proper care and prevents them from seeking the treatment they need.

How Can Patients Advocate for Better Gout Care?

A major theme of the workshop was patient empowerment. Participants with gout and kidney disease emphasized the importance of asking the right questions and engaging in their own advocacy. Healthcare providers also stressed that outcomes improve when patients feel educated and heard.

Patients should consider asking their healthcare team these key questions:

• Symptom Recognition: Could my symptoms be gout? Understanding what gout pain feels like and when it occurs helps ensure proper diagnosis.
• Treatment Interactions: How does my kidney disease affect my treatment options? Some gout medications may not be safe for people with reduced kidney function.
• Medication Review: Are my current medications helping or worsening my gout? Some blood pressure and diabetes medications can actually improve gout, while others may make it worse.

The NKF is now preparing a comprehensive report that summarizes what experts agree on, where more research is needed, and how the organization can continue supporting better gout management for people living with both conditions.