DEFORMING GOUT

 DEFORMING GOUT

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is very painful. It usually affects a time (often the big toe joint). There are times when symptoms get worse, known as flare, and times when there are no symptoms, known as remission. Repeated bouts of gout can lead to gouty arthritis, a worsening form of arthritis

 

There is no cure for gout, but you can effectively treat and manage the condition with medication and self-management strategies.

Symptoms

Gout flares start suddenly and can last days or weeks. These flares are followed by long periods of remission—weeks, months, or years—without symptoms before another flare begins. Gout usually occurs in only one joint at a time. It is often found in the big toe,

Along with the big toe, joints that are commonly affected are the lesser toe joints, the ankle, and the knee.

 

Symptoms in the affected joint(s) may include:

• Pain, usually intense.
• Swelling.
• Redness.
• Heat.

Causes of Gout

Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia, where there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat. When there is too much uric acid in the body, uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) can build up in joints, fluids, and tissues within the body. Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout, and hyperuricemia without gout symptoms does not need to be treated.

 

Diagnosis of Gout

diagnoses gout by assessing your symptoms and the results of your physical examination, X-rays, and lab tests. Gout can only be diagnosed during a flare when a joint is hot, swollen, and painful and when a lab test finds uric acid crystals in the affected joint.

 

Treatment of Gout

Gout can be effectively treated and managed with medical treatment and self-management strategies. Your health care provider may recommend a medical treatment plan. Manage the pain of a flare. Treatment for flares consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAlDs) like ibuprofen, steroids, and the the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, gout is a very common form of arthritis that may be increasing in prevalence as a result of changes in diet, lifestyle and environmental factors. Although not life-threatening, it has a significant impact on quality of life.

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