Gout

Overview

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes chronic episodes of joint inflammation. The condition is painful and usually impacts one joint. In some situations, multiple joints can become affected, but it is rare that different areas will experience flare-ups at the same time.

Gout commonly occurs in the big toe, knee, or ankle; however, other joints can develop symptoms. Flare-ups are unpredictable, and some people can go months or years without experiencing pain.

The disorder occurs when the body overproduces uric acid, causing crystals precipitate in the fluid and lining of the joints. Painful swelling will occur as a result. People with hyperuricernia, a condition that causes high levels of uric acid, are prone to gout. Other common problems include kidney stones, which are blockages in the tubes that connect the bladder and kidney. When the condition advances, kidney failure can occur.

Types

Gout is one of more than one hundred different types of arthritis. It can be an acute condition that is short-lived, or it can be a chronic condition that affects a person for years. Gout is sometimes present as a symptom of other medical conditions such as a metabolic condition or leukemia.

Symptoms

The most common initial symptom is pain in the joint of the big toe; however, gout can also affect the joints including the knees, wrists, elbows, fingers, and ankles. The pain tends to occur suddenly and intensely, producing swelling, heat, and redness at the site of the affected joint. A rash or low-grade fever may accompany the symptoms of pain.

The affected area will feel very tender: even a mild touch can be excruciatingly painful. The affected area will become stiff since the crystals inside the joint will cause intense pain whenever the patient attempts to more. Gout flare-ups can last for a few hours or a few days.

Causes/Risk Factors

Obesity, high blood pressure, alcohol consumption, sudden weight gain, and kidney problems can increase a person's risk of developing gout. Medications that elevate uric acid levels in the blood (such as apirin) can trigger a flare-up. Gout can also result from other underlying conditions such as leukemia, diabetes, lymphoma, blood disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Hypothyroidism has also been linked to the diease. Even though the precise causes are unclear, a combination of environmental, dietary, and genetic factors can cause gout. The disease tends to affect men more often than women.

Tests/Diagnosis

Usually, a patient will go to the doctor with symptoms of inexplicable pain. The doctor will ask you a series of questions about your personal and family medical history to determine whether arthritis is a likely possibility. When you go to a doctor, try to have an understanding of your symptoms so that you can answer questions effectively. Know where the pain is located, how it feels, how often you feel it, whether it goes away, and whether it's constant.

Pain at the base of the toes that recurs is one of the biggest symptoms of gout, and it is rare that more than on e joint because painful at a time. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, make sure that you communicate with your doctor.

Your doctor may able to diagnose gout without performing additional tests. In most situations, however, the doctor may have trouble distinguishing gout from other forms of arthritis and will need to confirm the diagnosis using additional tests.

Visual scans such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can help diagnose severe and chronic gout by showing the lumps of crystals that have accumulated around a joint. A blood test can indicate rheumatoid factor levels, which are helpful for diagnosing other forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis.

A joint aspiration test helps medical professionals determine whether uric acid crystals are present. The doctor will insert a syringe into the joint and extract synovial fluid.

Treatment

Treatment and preventative measures involve a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications. The doctor may recommend that you work with a dietician to evaluate your eating habits. If you are overweight, you may need to lose weight. A dietician may also suggest that you consume less meat and seafood and that you increase your vitamin C intake. It might also be necessary to avoid alcohol and limit your fructose intake.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are available to help with pain and swelling. Several weeks after a flare-up, a doctor may prescribe medication to lower the amount of uric acid in the blood.