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GoutGout is a common and painful type of Arthritis which occurs when uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Gout usually affects one joint at a time, especially the joint of the big toe. It can also affect the knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist, and elbow.
Symptoms
Gout causes pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected joint.
Gout attacks can occur very quickly and, if left untreated, may last for a week. An initial attack of Gout may not be followed by subsequent attacks until months or years later, if at all. Without correct management and treatment, however, attacks can become more frequent and last longer.
Risk Factors
The
main risk factors for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) include:
- Sex
- Age
- Family history
- Dietary factors
Gout mostly affects men, rather than women, and the first attack generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 50, although it can occur at any age. Women with gout usually develop it after menopause.
Gout can also be inherited, and susceptibility to the disease runs in families.
Goat can be aggravated or triggered by alcohol, over-eating, fluid tablets, overweight, surgery, and severe sudden illness, crash dieting, and not drinking enough fluid.
Causes
People with Gout have increased uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is produced when various foods, such as protein, are broken down and digested. Even though the amount of uric acid usually derived from food is relatively small, this can still cause problems if the body cannot get rid of the excess, as this excess will be deposited as crystals in the joints, causing inflammation and the other symptoms of gout.
Diagnosis
To obtain a diagnosis for Gout, a doctor may perform one or more of the following tests:
- Physical examination,
- Medical history check,
- Blood test to measure the level of uric acid in the blood which, is usually raised during an attack but can sometimes be at normal levels in people experiencing an attack of Gout.
- Urine collection and testing to measure the amount of uric acid being expelled by the body.
- X-Rays of the affected joints, and/or,
- A fluid sample from the affected joint.
These tests will help to confirm a diagnosis, or help rule out other types of Arthritis.
Complications / Issues
Without correct management and treatment, however, attacks can become more frequent and last longer.
Like all forms of Arthritis, if left untreated, the sufferer may experience severe pain and discomfort, which will impact on all facets of their life.
Treatment
The general outlook for people with Gout is usually very positive, with a range of treatments and management options. Proper diagnosis and management usually result in Gout being well controlled.
As with all forms of Arthritis, treatment will provide the best results if:
- Sufferers make efforts to learn about and understand their condition.
- Sufferers learn techniques to help manage their arthritis.
- Sufferers should begin treatment as soon as possible to begin managing the condition, reduce pain and discomfort, minimise joint / bone deterioration, and help them maintain mobility.
- Sufferers should consult their doctor / rheumatologist regularly so that they can keep up to date with new treatments and management techniques.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent the onset of this form of Arthritis, however, the symptoms of the condition can be managed and treated to reduce pain, discomfort, and damage to joints and bones.
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