Symptoms of gout

1. GOUT

2.  Gout is one of the most frequently referenced medical disorders in
the history of mankind.
 Gout is the result of an abnormality of the body's ability to process
uric acid. Uric acid builds up either because of too much uric acid
intake (from rich foods such as chocolate, seafood, or red wine) or
the body's inability to process it.

3.  The uric acid then crystalizes in the joints - mainly the toes,
ankles, hands and wrists - causing the painful inflammation of a
gouty attack (gouty arthritis).
 In severe cases, increased uric acid can cause kidney stones and
blockages of the kidney filtration system (tubules), and
permanent damage to the kidney or even kidney failure.

4.  Gout is more common in men than in women.
 It is also more common later in life with most patients having
attacks after the age of 50.
 If your parents have gout then you are also at increased risk of
getting gout yourself.

5. Risk factors for gout include:
 Obesity
 Excessive weight gain
 Moderate to heavy alcohol intake
 High blood pressure
 Abnormal kidney function
 Some medications such as diuretics (water pills), and having low
thyroid hormones may also be risk factors for getting gouty
attacks.

6. Symptoms of Gout?
 The large joint at the base of the big toe
(first metatarsalphylangeal joint) is the
most common site for a gout attack,
however, any other joint can be affected.
 Most commonly other joints affected are
the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and
elbows.

7.  Patients with gout attacks suffer a rapid onset of pain in the affected
joint followed by swelling, redness, and severe tenderness.
 In cases of chronic inflammation the attack may last for weeks.
Unfortunately, patients with gout are at risk for repeated attacks of gouty
arthritis.
 Some experience pain so intense that
even the light touch of a bed sheet on
the joint is excruciating. These painful
attacks can last from hours to several
days.

8. Gout (Big Toe)
 The large joint at the base of the big toe (first
metatarsalphylangeal joint) is the most common site for a gout
attack but other joints commonly affected are the ankles, knees,
wrists, fingers, and elbows.

9. Gout (Fingers)
 Inflamed lumps of tissue may form in the joint with repeated
bouts of gout or prolonged cases. These lumps are called tophi.

10. Gout (Elbow)
 Some of the larger joints of the body have a fluid-filled sac around
them that act as a shock absorber called a bursa.
 A bursa also helps with the movement mechanics of the joint. If
gout causes inflammation and swelling of the bursa it is called
bursitis.

11. What Procedure Is Used to Diagnose Gouty
Arthritis?
 Gout is usually diagnosed by a doctor based on the location of
the inflamed joint and a history of having similar non-traumatic
attacks of pain and swelling.
 The most reliable (but not always
necessary) test for confirming gout
is an arthrocentesis.

12.  Arthrocentes is a procedure where fluid is withdrawn (aspirated)
from an inflamed joint with a needle and syringe, using a sterile
technique and a local anesthetic such as lidocaine.
 The fluid is sent to a lab where it is analyzed for the presence of
uric acid crystals.

13. How Is Gout Diagnosed?
The fluid withdrawn by an arthrocentesis is analyzed in a lab under
a microscope for the presence of uric acid crystals. The fluid
analysis can also rule out other causes of inflammation including
bacterial infections

14. How Are Gout Attacks Prevented?
 Staying well hydrated is the best way to prevent gout attacks. Drink plenty
of water throughout the day. Proper hydration also decreases the risk of
kidney stones or kidney dysfunction as a result of built-up uric acid.
 Avoid alcohol or only drink in extreme moderation if you have had gout
attacks in the past. Alcohol affects the body's metabolism of uric acid and
can cause it to build up (hyperuricemia). If levels of uric acid build up in
your system it can precipitate a gout attack in your joints.

15. Additional Prevention Techniques
 Foods rich in purines such as shellfish or organ meats (liver,
kidneys, brains, sweetbreads) can lead to gout attacks. The body
converts purines into uric acid, which in turn leads to gout
attacks.
 Overall weight reduction is also a way to avoid gout attacks. A
diet low in fats and calories, combined with a regular exercise
regime can help decrease the likelihood of a gout attack.