Gout is a common and complicated form of arthritis and anyone of any age can develop gout. Gout attacks are abrupt and frequent, causing the patient to wake up even in the middle of the night with severe pain and inflammation in the toes.
Though the symptoms of gout may come and go but there are some which may cause severe pain and discomfort.
- Redness
- Acute bouts of swelling
- Soreness in one or more joints
- Limited range of motion
- Lingering discomfort
Following are some causes and risk factors that can result in gout.
- High levels of uric acid
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Drinking sweetened with fruit sugar
- High intake of organ meats and red meat
Formation of needlelike urate crystals in a joint or surrounding tissue
Below are some tests done to diagnose Gout.
- Joint fluid test- Doctors insert a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint
- Blood test- Recommend a blood test to measure the levels of uric acid
- X-ray imaging. In order to rule out alternative causes of joint inflammation, joint X-rays can be useful
- Ultrasound- This examination makes use of sound waves to find urate crystals in joints
There are two basic types of gout drugs that each target a different issue. The first kind aids in reducing the pain and swelling brought on by gout attacks. The second type reduces the level of uric acid in your blood to prevent gout complications.
The frequency and seriousness of your symptoms, along with any additional health issues you might have, will determine which kind of medication is best for you.
