What is Gout?
Gout Gout is considered a form of arthritis, since sufferers primarily experience excruciating pain in the joints, most often the joints of the big toe and foot. The formation of gout is directly linked to an overabundance of uric acid in the bloodstream. As uric acid levels rise, crystals form and collect in the base joint of the sufferer's big toe. These crystals of uric acid are painful enough, especially when they become lodged deep in the joint. Adding to the misery of gout is a secondary skin inflammation, with increased sensitivity, redness and swelling. Gout generally appears in the form of short attacks, sometimes lasting for several days or weeks. Much like those with kidney stones, gout sufferers can be symptom-free for several years between attacks. Uric acid crystals are also responsible for one form of kidney stones. Gout can become chronic over time, which means the sufferer must take daily medications in order to prevent the onset of major symptoms and extreme pain. The word gout comes from Latin gutta and old French gote meaning "a drop". Several hundred years ago gout was thought to be caused by drops of viscous humors that seeped from blood into the joints. In fact, this supposition was not that far from the truth. When a patient experiences the symptoms of a gout attack uric acid has been accumulating in his blood, and uric acid deposits have been forming in the joints. Gout develops when too much uric acid builds up in your body. Sharp … [Read More...]
Gout Symptoms
The Signs and Symptoms of Gout The signs and symptoms of gout are almost always acute, occurring suddenly — often at night — and without warning. They include: Intense joint pain. Gout usually affects the large joint of your big toe, but it can occur in your feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first 12 to 24 hours after it begins. Lingering discomfort. After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks. Later attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints. Inflammation and redness. The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender and red. 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. Signs and symptoms of gout are generally acute - they come on suddenly without warning. A significant proportion of patients experience them at night. Severe Pain in the Joints- The patient may experience pain in his ankles, hands, wrists, knees or feet. More commonly the big toe is affected (podagra). Many patients describe the affected areas as warm/hot. The fluid sacs that cushion tissue (bursae) may become inflamed (bursitis) - when this happens in the elbow it is called olcranon bursitis, while in the knee prepatellar … [Read More...]
