Gout pains treatment

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What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down purines, a substance found in some foods such as red meat. Sweetened drinks and alcohol can also increase the level of uric acid in the body. Normally, uric acid is processed by the kidneys and excreted from the body through urine.

However, in a gout attack, excess uric acid forms urate crystals that lodge near joints. This leads to painful attacks in those joints, most often in the big toe, foot, ankle or knee. Gout can affect anyone, although men are more often affected than women.

Symptoms and causes

Painful attacks of gout are most often experienced in the joints in the lower extremities including the big toe, foot, ankle or knee. Attacks often occur at night. It is usually an intense, sudden attack with lingering pain, and this pain can come and go. The most intense period is usually between four and 12 hours after the attack begins.

The joints affected will appear swollen and red with limited mobility. The joint may also feel warm to the touch and very tender. Recurrent attacks of gout are possible, and the condition can also lead to kidney stones. Patients can also experience lumps under the skin caused by the buildup of uric acid.

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Men are most likely to develop gout, especially between the ages of 30 and 50. Other risk factors include family history, obesity, and a diet high in purines (one that includes lots of red meat, organs, certain kinds of seafood). Drinking sugary drinks can also increase risk. Gout attacks should be treated so they do not worsen.

The condition can be treated with medication including NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen as well as with corticosteroids and colchicine. Drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding or limiting alcohol, avoiding or limiting fatty meats, and consuming low-fat dairy products may help prevent attacks. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise can also reduce risk.

Treating gout pains

FAQs about gout

Is osteoarthritis a disability?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic and painful condition that can be disabling as it affects the ability to perform daily tasks or work. The condition is classified as a disability when there’s anatomical deformity of joints, a failing range of motion, and increased pain that prevents doing basic tasks like walking. Being a type of arthritis, Osteoarthritis is the reduction of cartilage between the joints that causes friction between the bones that can result in the formation of bone spurs and cysts and usually affects the hands, hips, knees, feet, and compression of the spinal nerves or spinal cord.
Is osteoarthritis hereditary?

While Osteoarthritis cannot be directly linked to a specific cause, there are common factors that have been identified. It is possible that it’s genetic where multiple family members suffer from the condition. If your grandparents, parents, and siblings have Osteoarthritis, there is an increased risk of you getting it, particularly with genetic joint defects. If you do have symptoms of joint pain, it’s important to gather medical history from your family before seeing a doctor as diagnosis relies on this information together with a physical examination. Other causes are also likely such as years of sport that can affect joints.
Can I claim pip for osteoarthritis?

If you are medically diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and it’s affecting your ability to work and earn an income, you may be able to claim Social Security disability benefits. People aged 16 years and over may qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as a benefit to provide support in covering additional costs due to a long-term health condition or disability. PIP is paid when Osteoarthritis has a disabling effect on everyday life where load-bearing joints, like hands, feet, hips, knees, and spine are affected. It is a progressive joint disease that can worsen over time.
Can osteoarthritis spread?

The risk of developing Osteoarthritis increases with age. Many people over 60 years are likely to have some form of the condition with varying degrees of severity. It is an incurable, degenerative disease that progresses through four stages, which can take years or decades to spread. While the progression of Osteoarthritis cannot be stopped, early detection and therapy can slow the rate of degeneration. It usually starts in one large joint and typically spreads to other joints over time. One affected joint can alter movement and mobility, which in turn can affect the alignment of other joints predisposing them to Osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis slowly develop over time and initially start with pain and stiffness that doesn’t go away. Affected joints start hurting during or after movement and stiffness will be especially noticeable in the mornings or after a period of inactivity. Joints feel tender when any pressure is applied on or near the affected area. You may also start noticing a limited range of movement and loss of flexibility. Bone spurs, swelling and a grating sensation around the joints start occurring as the condition get worse. This is accompanied by popping or crackling sounds when moving the joints.