Gout: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Gout is one of the most common forms of arthritis, associated with intense joint pain that suddenly strikes, most commonly affecting the big toe, knees, fingers, elbows, thumbs, or ankles. These attacks are painful and unexpected, usually accompanied with redness and swelling. Prompt treatment can help to curb the condition, even though it usually recurs within a short span. One in 70 people in the United States are affected with gout, with men being thrice as likely to be affected with the disorder as women. 

Causes:

• Gout is usually caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a waste product that is ideally excreted by the kidneys, but can accumulate in the body if the kidney does not function properly, or the body produces excessive uric acid. 
  
• The swelling and pain associated with gout are caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.
• These crystals are usually formed in the colder extremities of the body, which is why the fingers and toes are most commonly affected. 
• Risk factors for the disease include- excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, a family history of gout, overweight, purine-rich diet, dehydration caused by low fluid intake. 

Symptoms:

• Severe pain in the affected joint
• Swelling around the joint
• Warmth in the affected region
• Red and shiny skin around the joint
• Mild fever
• Firm, white lumps known as tophi underneath the skin- this is a symptom of chronic gout that recurs over many years. This can be accompanied by the leaking of a white, paste-like substance if the tophi break down.

Treatment:

• Orthopedic doctors in Killeen can prescribe medicines to ease the pain and swelling associated with gout. These usually include Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), colchicines, or steroids. 
• You can also adopt several self-care steps such as elevating the joint and avoiding physical activity, keeping the joint cool, and drinking sufficient water. 
• If you are looking for treatment options in Killeen TX, an orthopedic doctor is the best place to start. Your doctor will be able to diagnose any complications associated with your condition, such as progressive joint damage. Dietary modifications and certain medications can help to stop these complications by lowering uric acid levels. 
• Other complications that require immediate medical attention include polyarticular gout (gout affecting multiple joints), kidney stones, and kidney damage.