Gout is a form of arthritis that is often considered to be the most painful. Gout can present in a variety of ways. Some of these include joint inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. Gout usually affects one joint, and can be so painful that people are often woken up at night. Gout can often cause reddening of the joint. It is not uncommon for people to go to bed with no symptoms but find their joints reddening. Gout usually affects one joint, with the big and middle toe being the most common. Gout occurs when the body’s levels of uric acids begin to rise, which causes uric acid crystals to form around the joints.
Uric Acid
The crystals build up and cause inflammation in the joints. Purines are found in many meats including liver and kidney. The body creates uric acid by breaking down purines. Purines can also be found in other foods and in low quantities in many vegetables like spinach and mushrooms. Purines are also found in most meats, and seafood. Gout can be caused by a diet high in purines. However, it may also be due to the inability of the kidneys to properly break down uric acids. Gout can also be caused by lead poising, excessive alcohol intake, surgery, joint injuries, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Pseudogout is another disease that shares many similarities to gout. Pseudogout can be caused in a similar way to gout except that instead of uric acids crystals, calciumpyrophosphate crystals start forming in the joint. This can be caused by hypercalcemia, age, or any other factor. Pseudogout is most commonly found in the knee. However, it can also be found in the ankles, wrists and shoulders.
Remember
Gout and pseudogout both have similar symptoms. It is necessary to collect fluid from the affected joints and test for high levels of calcium pyrophosphate or uric acid crystals. Gout treatment often involves losing weight if the person is overweight and modifying diet to avoid eating foods high in purines. Both pseudogout as well as gout can be treated with Colchicine or anti-inflammation medications. Gout can happen to anyone, but it is more common in men than women. Gout is more common in older people, and more likely to develop after menopause. Gout is more common in men who are older than forty years.