What is Gout?

Gout is a common form of arthritis that causes sudden, intense pain and swelling in the joints. Most often affecting the big toe, gout can also impact knees, wrists, and other areas. This condition occurs when uric acid builds up and forms sharp crystals in the joints, leading to painful flare-ups. Understanding gout’s symptoms, causes, and treatment options is essential for managing attacks and protecting your joint health. In this article, you’ll learn practical steps to recognise, treat, and prevent gout effectively.

What is Gout?

Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden and intense joint pain. It happens when uric acid builds up in your body and forms sharp crystals in your joints. These crystals trigger swelling, redness, and tenderness, often making even the lightest touch unbearable. Gout most commonly affects the big toe but can also occur in other joints such as the knees, ankles, wrists, fingers, and elbows. The attacks usually come on quickly and may wake you during the night. Although gout symptoms can come and go, managing them effectively can help prevent future flares.

Symptoms of Gout

Gout symptoms tend to start suddenly and are often severe. They usually strike one joint at a time but can involve more as the condition progresses. Typical signs include:

• Intense joint pain, often worst within the first 4 to 12 hours
  
• Lingering discomfort after the initial pain fades, lasting days or weeks
  
• Swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness around the joint
  
• Limited movement in the affected joint due to pain and inflammation
  
  

If you notice a joint that is red, hot, and swollen, especially with sudden severe pain, it is important to see a doctor. Untreated gout can cause joint damage and worsen symptoms over time.

Causes of Gout

Gout occurs because of a build-up of uric acid in the blood, a condition called hyperuricemia. Uric acid forms when the body breaks down purines, which are natural substances found in some foods and inside your body. When uric acid levels become too high, it forms needle-like crystals that settle in joints and cause inflammation.

Common causes of increased uric acid include:

• Eating foods rich in purines such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood like sardines and mussels
  
• Drinking alcohol, especially beer, and sugary drinks with high fructose corn syrup
  
• Your kidneys not removing uric acid efficiently, causing it to build up
  
• Producing too much uric acid for your body to handle
  
  

Risk Factors for Gout

Several factors make gout more likely. A diet high in purines and alcohol increases your risk. Being overweight adds pressure on your kidneys, reducing their ability to remove uric acid. Some medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome are linked to higher uric acid levels. Certain medications, including some diuretics and low-dose aspirin, can also raise uric acid.

Family history plays a role, as does age and sex. Men are more prone to developing gout, usually between 30 and 50 years old. Women tend to develop it after menopause when their uric acid levels rise. Trauma, surgery, or even vaccinations may trigger sudden gout attacks in some people.

Diagnosis and Tests

Doctors diagnose gout by looking at your symptoms and examining your joints. They may ask when your pain started, how often it happens, and which joints are affected. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, or a dual-energy CT scan can show joint damage or uric acid crystal deposits. Blood tests measure uric acid levels but cannot confirm gout alone since some people with high uric acid never develop gout.

A key diagnostic test is joint aspiration, where a sample of joint fluid is taken with a needle to check for uric acid crystals. This helps differentiate gout from infections or other types of arthritis.

Treatment and Management of Gout

Managing gout involves reducing pain during attacks and preventing future flare-ups. Treatment usually includes:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain and swelling
  
• Colchicine, a prescription drug that reduces inflammation if taken early during a gout attack
  
• Corticosteroids, either oral or injected, to control inflammation when NSAIDs are not suitable
  
  

To lower uric acid levels and reduce the risk of attacks, doctors may prescribe:

• Allopurinol or febuxostat, which reduce uric acid production
  
• Probenecid, which helps the kidneys remove uric acid
  
• Pegloticase, used in severe cases to break down uric acid
  
  

Alongside medications, lifestyle changes are essential. A low-purine diet limits foods that raise uric acid. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out uric acid. Losing weight and exercising regularly can also improve symptoms. During attacks, resting the affected joint and applying ice can ease pain.

Recommended Supports to Ease Gout Symptoms

If you’re dealing with gout, giving your joints the right support can make a big difference in reducing pain and swelling during flare-ups. For foot pain, braces like the Ankle Support Brace and the Dual-Shell Ankle Stabilizer Brace provide gentle compression and extra stability, helping to protect the joint and ease discomfort. When gout affects your wrist, the TFCC Support Wrist Brace and the Performance Wrist Brace offer targeted relief by reducing inflammation and supporting the joint. Using these supports along with your prescribed treatments and lifestyle changes can help you move more comfortably and manage daily tasks better during gout attacks.

Prevention of Gout

Preventing gout involves keeping uric acid levels under control. Avoiding or limiting foods and drinks high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, and alcohol, is key. Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys work well. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on your body and lowers uric acid production. Regular exercise and stress management also play important roles.

Monitoring related health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes can further reduce your risk. If you have gout, following your treatment plan closely and making lifestyle changes will help prevent future attacks.

Also read : Repetitive Strain Injury: The Facts

Living with Gout

During a gout attack, you can ease symptoms by elevating the affected joint and applying ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks is important, as these can worsen symptoms.

It is vital to seek medical advice if your joint pain is sudden and severe, or if you notice redness and swelling. Regular check-ups will help you manage gout and avoid complications.

Talk openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, diet, and medications. Ask questions like what foods to avoid, how to prevent future attacks, and whether you need long-term medication. With proper care, most people with gout can lead active and comfortable lives.

Conclusion

Gout may cause sudden and painful flare-ups, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By recognising the symptoms early and making smart lifestyle choices, you can manage gout effectively. Treatment and diet changes play a vital role in preventing future attacks and protecting your joints. Remember, working with your doctor is key to keeping gout under control and maintaining your overall health.