What Is Gout?

Gout is a kind of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of many foods we eat. An abnormality in handling uric acid and crystallization of these compounds in joints can cause attacks of painful arthritis, kidney stones, and blockage of the kidney filtering tubules with uric acid crystals, leading to kidney failure. Gout has the unique distinction of being one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history.

Types of Gout

What Are The Types Of Gout?

This ailment is of four types which are also regarded as the four stages of gout.

1. Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia – There are elevated levels of uric acid in the blood but no other symptoms in this stage.
2. Acute Gout – The uric acid starts to deposit in the body’s joints causing swelling, pain, and tenderness. The gout attack usually starts at night and lasts for 3-10 days.
3. Interval Gout – This phase is in between the acute gout attacks when the patient has no symptoms.
4. Chronic Tophaceous Gout – With prolonged accumulation of uric acid, permanent damage is caused to the joints. Gout arthritis in this stage is very painful, but it is very rare that people progress to this stage.

Symptoms of gout in the big toe

Gout attacks involve intense throbbing or burning joint pain, which occurs suddenly, followed by swelling, tenderness, warmth, and redness or discoloration. It can affect a person’s hands, elbows, knees, feet, ankles, spine, and toes. Some people, the pain may be so severe that they cannot tolerate the weight of a blanket. The symptoms are typically at their worst within 6–12 hours. The affected joint, or big toe, will recover in 1–2 weeks. The following are indications that a person is experiencing a gout attack in the big toe:

1. Intense joint pain in the big toe
2. Rapid onset
3. Swelling and redness or discoloration
4. Tenderness
5. Difficulty moving
6. Due to severe pain and swelling, people who experience gout attacks may find it challenging to walk or stand.

Risk Factors of Gout

Various risk factors can increase the likelihood of hyperuricemia which may lead to gout include the following:

1. Age and Gender: Men will produce more uric acid than women, but women’s levels of uric acid increase near those of men after menopause.
2. Genetics: Family history of gout increases likelihood of condition developing.
3. Lifestyle: Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to remove uric acid. Also, eating a diet that’s high in purines will increase uric acid levels. 
4. Lead exposure: Gout cases link to Chronic lead exposure
5. Medications: Certain medications can increase uric acid levels, such as diuretics and drugs containing salicylate. 
6. Weight: Individuals who are overweight are at an increased risk of developing gout because of the increased body tissue. First your body gives off more uric acid as a waste product, then higher body fat levels will increase systemic inflammation. Fat cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines.
7. Recent trauma or surgery: Increased risk of developing gout.
8. Other health problems that can increase uric acid levels in the body are renal insufficiency. This decreases the kidneys’ ability to efficiently remove waste products such as uric acid. High blood pressure and diabetes also increase the likelihood of developing gout.

Complications of Gout

Gout may develop into more serious conditions such as:

1. Kidney stones: Urate crystals may collect in the urinary tract leading to kidney stones
2. Recurrent gout: Individuals may have regular recurrences. This causes gradual damage to the joints and surrounding tissues.

Prevention and Treatment Strategies

Discover effective strategies for preventing and managing gout:

1. Medications: Prescription medications or injections can alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation during gout attacks.
2. Dietary Modifications: Limiting foods and beverages high in purines aids in reducing uric acid levels, supporting the overall management of gout.
3. Hydration: Adequate hydration promotes optimal kidney function, facilitating the elimination of uric acid from the body.
4. Rest and Elevation: During gout attacks, rest and elevation of the affected joint help alleviate swelling and discomfort, promoting faster recovery.
5. Maintaining a healthy body weight: Exercise and diet may help reduce uric acid levels in the blood.
6. Reducing alcohol intake: Alcohol, especially beer and hard liquor Trusted Source, increases the risk of a gout attack. Limiting or avoiding alcohol helps the body excrete excess uric acid in the urine.
7. Drinking plenty of fluids: A person should stay hydrated and limit their intake of sugary drinks.
8. Eating a low-fat and low-purine diet: People should avoid food rich in purine, such as seafood and red meat. Instead, they can eat vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and plant-based proteins.

When to see a doctor

If you experience sudden, intense pain in a joint, call your doctor. Gout that goes untreated can lead to worsening pain and joint damage. Seek medical care immediately if you have a fever and a joint is hot and inflamed, which can be a sign of infection. Gout can occur without warning. Anyone experiencing intense pain in a big toe, followed by warmth, tenderness, redness, or discoloration should immediately seek medical attention. If a person does not receive treatment for gout, it can lead to joint damage over time, including bone erosions and arthritis.

If you need a consultation with our best podiatrist, you can contact us today or set an appointment online. You may reach us in Bethesda Maryland to schedule an appointment.

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