Gout

Joints are the link between the bones, and they have an essential role in movement. They can be susceptible to numerous disorders and health problems that lead to a decline in their ability to fully perform their function, like gout disease.

What is gout

It's a type of arthritis that occurs as a result of the accumulation of a substance called uric acid in the joints, which leads to their swelling and inflammation.

It usually affects middle-aged and elderly men and women after menopause.

It's characterized into:

Acute gout

It's the most common manifestation and is called a gout attack. It usually starts in one joint, which is the one in the big toe.

Chronic gout

With the progression of the disorder, it starts to affect other joints such as hands, wrists, feet, knees, and shoulders.

Causes of gout

There are several causes and risk factors that lead to getting gout:

• A diet that contains a lot of red meat and liver, certain sea foods, sugar and sweetened beverages, and alcohol.
• Overweight and obesity.
• Some diseases like congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, blood cancers, and kidney diseases.
• Family history.
• Some medications, like aspirin, and certain medications that lower the blood pressure.

Symptoms of gout

• An excruciating pain in the joint that might lead to the inability of moving.
• A feeling of warmth in the joint.
• Redness, stiffness, and swelling of the joint.
• After the finishing of the acute attack (usually 5 to 7 days when untreated), an uncomfortable feeling in the joint still existed.

Gout diagnosis

It's diagnosed through several tests:

• Joint fluid test.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Gout treatment and management

There isn't a specific treatment for gout, only the symptoms are managed through:

• Changing the diet and following a healthy lifestyle.
• Decrease foods that increase the risk of gout.
• Some medications, like painkillers, anti inflammatory medications, and medications to reduce the uric acid level in the joint.