Gout can be classified as a type of rheumatic disorder. It is also one of the most severe forms of rheumatic diseases. Gout is caused by excessive uric acid crystallization in the joints. These crystals can lead to inflammatory arthritis, which can cause pain, redness and stiffness in the joints. Gout is responsible for approximately 5% of all arthritis cases reported by doctors. Gout can sometimes be confused for pseudogout, which is characterized by similar symptoms. For pseudogout cases, calcium phosphate crystal deposits cause swelling and pain in the joints.
Uric Acid
Uric acid is formed from the breakdown and natural chemical, purines. It is also found in all human tissue. Uric acid is usually dissolved in blood and passed through the kidneys to be eliminated later in the urine. Hyperuricemia is a condition where the bloodstream has high levels of uric acids. This could be caused by the body producing more uric acids due to excess purine intake or when the kidneys are not able to remove enough. Hyperuricemia can also be caused by eating too many foods high in purine.
Hyperuricemia is not a disease and can be treated by yourself. Hyperuricemia can lead to gout, which is when excessive uric acid crystals form. These crystals of uric acid build up in the joints, causing inflammation. Excessive uric acid deposits can form as lumps under the skin and around the ear rim. These uric acid crystals can also build up in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney stones.
Gout
Gout is a common condition. Gout is a condition that affects approximately 275 people out of 100,000. Gout is more common in men than it is in women. Gout is most common in men between the ages of 40 and 50. Gout is rarely a problem in women before menopause. Gout affects women and men differently. Men are more likely to develop it at a younger age than women. Gout can be linked to alcohol. Gout is uncommon in children and young adults.
What are the Stages of Gout Disease? Gout affects the joints Around 75% of people with gout will have their big toe affected. Gout will most often affect the big toe joints first. Other areas of the body that could be affected by gout include the ankle, heel, knee, elbow, wrist, wrist, and fingers. This stage of gout will cause elevated blood levels of uric acids, but no other symptoms. This stage of gout does not require treatment. This stage would have seen hyperuricemia, which would have led to the formation of uric acid crystals within the joint spaces. This would cause intense pain and swelling in the joint spaces. It may also cause tenderness and warmth.
Gout Attacks
Gout attacks that are severe will usually occur at night. Gout attacks can be triggered by stress, alcohol, drugs, or other illnesses. Gout attacks will usually subside within three to 10 days. After that, you might not have any attacks for months or even years. Gout attacks can be more frequent and last longer if the body does not take steps to lower its uric level. This is the time between acute attacks. This stage is when a person doesn’t have any symptoms and can function their joints normally. Most people with gout will not reach this stage if they receive the right treatment.
This is the most severe stage of gout. It can develop over a period of time, sometimes up to 10 years, and requires proper treatment. This stage of gout can cause permanent damage to the affected joints, and in severe cases, the kidneys. What are the Risk Factors for Gout? Gender and age are associated with the risk of developing it. It is more common in men than women, and more common in adults than children.
Remember
Gout can be linked to one’s genes, with up to 18% of those suffering from the condition having a family history. Gout can be caused by an enzyme defect, which will cause the body to stop breaking down purines. Many of these people have a history of gout. Gout can be more common in overweight people. This is because there is more tissue for turnover or breakdown, and therefore excess uric acid. Hyperuricemia can be caused by drinking too much alcohol. The body cannot remove uric acid if alcohol is consumed.