Gout- A form of arthritis caused due to uric acid crystallization in joints. It is mostly formed in the big toe of the feet. It enlarges in size, becomes red and swollen and causes severe pain. Uric acid is formed from various metabolisms like break down of purines etc. Thus uric acid formed like this dissolves in blood and is removed by dialysis in kidneys, thus passing in the urine. When the uric acid levels increase in the blood due to many reasons like improper function of kidney, excess amount of uric acid formation due to high purine diet can cause them to crystallize and cause gout
Gout often appears on the big toe but can happen in knees, foot, ankle and other joints too. The pain of the gout occurs without any notification and usually occurs during night. The pain is severe and sustains for longer periods, it causes severe discomfort and the person will not be able to move the joint freely, it will become stiff.
Gout can be acute recurring time to time even after treatment. Other complications include
- Kidney stones
- Tophus formation (lumps under the skin)
- Permanent joint damage
Signs and symptoms
- Enlargement of the big toe and joints
- Severe redness and swelling at the joints
- Severe sustained pain
- Formation of lumps beneath the skin
- Restricted movement near by the swollen joints
The following people are more prone to gout
- Gout is most commonly seen in men
- Individual in whose family history gout is observed
- Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problems
- Individuals who consume alcohol
- Individual who eat meat, sea food are more prone since they contain higher amounts of purines
Diagnosis
- The gout is usually diagnosed by a physical examination and symptoms, to confirm it the fluid from the joints is tested under microscope for the presence of any uric acid crystals.
- Uric acid levels in blood
- While in chronic gout x-rays are helpful in diagnosis
Treatment and prevention
Acute gout can be prevented by trying to reduce the pain and amount of uric acid, by using drugs like non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and steroids. Ice can be used on the swollen part for 20-30minutes to remove the pain.
Future gout attacks can be prevented through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as losing weight if you are overweight, and taking a medication such as allopurinol, which lowers uric acid levels.