A bang out of inflammatory arthritis
Gout is a form ofinflammatory arthritis.
It occurs whenuric acid crystalsaccumulate in one (or rarely several) of the bodys joints.
This painful condition often comes on without warning and most commonly affects the base of the big toe.
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Gout can cause severe pain, inflammation, and difficulty walking if left untreated.
This article will detail the causes, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for this arthritic condition.
Robert Kirk / Getty Images
What Are Symptoms of Gout?
Several hallmark symptoms typically appear during a gout attack.
These include:
Though gout can affect any joint in the body, it impacts several areas more commonly.
These areas include the:
What Gout Feels Like
Gout pain hasseveral unique characteristics.
Gout is also a somewhat unpredictable condition.
Its symptoms typically come on without warning and may persist for one to two weeks (or more).
What Causes Gout?
Purines occur naturally in the bodys cells andin many foodsyou may consume.
These crystals travel in the bloodstream and accumulate in the bodys joints, fluids, and tissues.
When a crystal buildup occurs, it can irritate the affected area and lead to gout symptoms.
What Puts You at an Increased Risk of Gout?
Though anyone can get gout, several groups are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
They include:
Why Does Gout Begin in the Foot?
Uric acid is very sensitive to temperature changes and crystalizes in colder areas of the body.
Because your foot is the farthest region from the heart, it is also the coolest area.
How Is Gout Diagnosed?
Gout diagnosis is possible only during an acute flare-up of the condition.
When this occurs, the diagnosis process typically starts with a physical exam.
A healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and obtain your personal history.
However, recent research has called the effectiveness and sustainability of this approach into question.
A recent review suggested that adopting eitherthe Mediterraneanorthe DASH dietmay be more beneficial in lowering systemic uric acid levels.
How Is Gout Treated?
These medications help keep the body’s uric acid levels low.
They are typically recommended if you have more than one gout attack yearly.
Surgery
Surgery is rarely indicated because of a gout flare-up.
If repeated gout attacks cause gouty arthritis to develop in a joint, an operation may be necessary.
In some instances, atophi removal proceduremay also be necessary to alleviate pain and reduce the risk of infection.
Is Gout Curable?
Though gout is not curable, it is possible to achieve disease remission.
Working closely with a healthcare provider skilled in treating gout is the best way to achieve disease remission.
Living Well With Gout
It is possible to improve your well-being in spite of having gout.
Performing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises each week can also help achieve this goal.
Doing so helps keep you healthy and reduces the likelihood of a painful flare-up.
Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the symptoms detailed above.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gout.
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Gout.
Yokose C, McCormick N, Choi HK.The role of diet in hyperuricemia and gout.Current Opinion in Rheumatology.
2021;33(2):135-144. doi:10.1097/BOR.0000000000000779
Arthritis Foundation.Managing a gout flare.
2021;60(3):1007-1009. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keaa853
