Gout is the most common type of arthritis that leads to inflammation in joints. Small crystals form around and in the joints which causes inflammation, pain, and swelling. Crystals that form around the joints are made of one of the waste products uric acid. Normally the body itself gets rid of extra uric acid through the kidneys into the urine. If a person has gout the process slows down.
Signs of Gout
Big toe is most common site for gout attack which can last up to 10 days. Gout attack reaches the most painful stage within a few hours like 12 hours. The joints most often affected are the ankles, elbows, wrists and fingers.
Symptoms of Gout
There will be tenderness in joints, warmth to touch and a red and purple look.
Sudden and severe pain in the middle of the night and in the morning.
Limited range of motion, may experience a decrease in joint mobility.
Causes And Risk Factors of Gout
Gout is usually caused by your kidney not flushing out uric acid quickly enough. Gout is typically a result of one or two things; too much uric acid is created by your body, or too little amount of uric acid is being eliminated.
There are some lifestyle factors that may increase your risk of developing Gout including:
- Family history.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Excess intake of alcohol.
- Diet high in animal proteins.
- Having kindly disease.
- Having high blood pressure.
- Having high cholesterol.
- Diabetes
- Diuretics use (tablets that drain water from the body).
- A diet that is rich in meat, seafood, and sweetened beverages.
Gout has the potential to affect anyone. It usually occurs earlier among males than females. It generally occurs after menopause in women. Men have thee times more likelihood to have Gout than women.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. To diagnose gout, your doctor will ask questions about your personal and family medical history. Examination of affected joints. Some laboratory tests and X-rays can be done to diagnose.
Treatment
Treatment includes:
- Medication: The doctor may prescribe some medicines and injections to treat pain, swolling and inflammation.
- Fluids: Avoid alcoholic beverages which cause dehydration; drink plenty of water and other fluids every day.
- Dietary restrictions:
1. All types of sugar.
2. Refined grains and crabs.
3. Avoid foods high in purines, as purines are processed into uric acid in the body.
Gout treatment takes time.
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Meet Dr. Qaisar Usmani, a Board Certified Rheumatologist with over 20 years of experience in the field, currently serving as Section Chief at Monmouth Medical Center and GPHA, Inc. in Pennsylvania, specializing in the treatment of various Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases.
Meet Dr. Sadia Ghafoor, a board certified specialist in rheumatology who completed her medical training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry School of Osteopathic Medicine and her fellowship in rheumatology at the State University of New York Stony Brook campus, with additional board certification in internal medicine.
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