Red and Painful Joints? It Could Be Gout

Red and Painful Joints? It Could Be Gout

Staff Writer |Apr 16, 2020

What is Gout?

To answer "what is gout?" you should know it is a relatively frequently occurring type of arthritis. The common condition is the result of having elevated levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This excess of uric acid leads to uric acid crystal formation in the joints, notoriously the one on the base of the big toe. These crystals cause a number of alarming and uncomfortable symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Gout can manifest in several different ways depending on the patient. In general, gout can be characterized as episodes of joint pain, swelling, and redness.

The pain itself can occur out of nowhere, and either turn into a general discomfort or disappear. Episodes of gout can occur abruptly and it is not uncommon for them to start in the middle of the night.

The big toe is one of the most common appendages that is affected, although it can also affect the forefoot, knees, ankles, knees, elbows, and bones in your hand or wrist.

Types of Gout

Although these all refer to the same illness, there are “types” of gout, which indicate different stages of the illness.

  • Asymptomatic hyperuricemia: This is the earliest stage of the disease. Some of the crystals may be causing some tissue damage, but symptoms may be mild to non-existent.
  • Acute: This refers to a more extreme event. In acute gout, patients experience acute episodes of intense pain in a “flare” that lasts a couple of days. Different events can trigger the onset of symptoms, including stress or alcohol. They may also appear seemingly out of nowhere.
  • Intercritical: When flares die down but you still have gout, your body is still depositing excess urate crystals into your joint tissue. These periods are called intercritical gout, where you may not really feel symptoms but the damage is still happening.
  • Chronic tophaceous: This is the most extreme form of the disease. It is debilitating and can get to the point where permanent and extreme damage has been done to the joints and kidneys. Huge lumps and pain may be chronically present at this point.

There is also a condition that is referred to as pseudogout. This condition is not a form of gout, but it is very similar in terms of the symptoms someone might experience. These similar symptoms are not caused by urate crystals, but rather calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Generally, symptom expression is less severe in comparison to traditional gout.

Treatment Options

There are several different medications that may be prescribed to treat gout. Different medications may be used depending on the types of symptoms you are experiencing or expressing a desire to reduce.

These medications include some which may manage uric acid levels (aloprim, zyloprim, ulroic, or lesinurad), inflammation (colcrys), or painkillers. Talk to your doctor to find a solution which is best for you.

Natural Remedies for Gout

One of the best natural remedies for gout is making lifestyle changes. By making these tiny lifestyle changes, you will be able to minimize the flares of gout or even prevent it entirely. If you know that you have had a flare before or are at risk for developing gout, consider taking the following steps:

  • Drink lots of water: Drinking the recommended amount of water a day can help keep your body in tip-top shape.
  • Achieve a healthy body weight: Obesity puts a lot of pressure on your body. If you are overweight, try to achieve and maintain healthy body weight.
  • Stay sober: Alcohol can be an especially big trigger for gout. Consider abstaining from alcohol use in order to keep your gout under control.
  • Change your diet: To limit the about of uric acid coming into your body, make changes to your what you eat. There are some foods that will encourage very high levels of uric acid in your body, including: anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, lobster, shrimp, mussels, scallops, mushrooms, organs (especially liver and kidneys), fast food, soda, and alcohol.

Consider having healthier foods that encourage an overall healthy diet. Some of the best foods for managing gout include:

  • Yogurt and skim milk
  • Nuts and grains
  • Fresh fruits and veggies
  • Potatoes

Most importantly, be sure to practice moderation.

When to See a Doctor

As soon as you notice that your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, you should make an appointment with a medical professional. This is a good practice in general. Even if you do not have gout, alarming symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

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