Gout is a condition that can be treated with pain relief. As with any other condition, gout can be easily diagnosed by your doctor. Based on the results of the tests, a diagnosis can then be made and the appropriate treatment can be given. Gout can be very painful. Gout usually appears first in the big foot and is characterized by severe pain, swelling, and redness. People will often be confused by the first attack as they are not able to pinpoint the cause. Most people will seek medical attention if they feel severe pain. How can gout be diagnosed?
Diagnosis
First, a review of your family history is done. This includes any chronic conditions that you or your family members have had. Your doctor must be aware of any genetic predispositions you may have to certain diseases. After assessing your overall health and determining the reason for your condition, the doctor will order testing to confirm his diagnosis. Complete blood cell count (CBC), urine, serum creatinine (BUN), and serum uric acids measurements.
The provision of nutrients, cushioning and lubrication for cartilage is assisted by synovial fluid. This test looks for urate crystalsal in the fluid, which could indicate gout. The symptoms include intense pain, swelling, inflammation, and low-grade fever. The affected area will feel warm to the touch, and there will be reddening. The attack can peak in around two days and lasts up to ten days if it is not treated. It occurs after the initial gout attack is over and all symptoms have gone.
Gout Attacks
Recurrent gout attacks are usually treated with medication to lower blood uric acid. Treatment to prevent future attacks is not possible after the first attack. Tophi are nodular masses of urate crystals that appear after a gout attack. Deformity and pain, soft tissue damage, nerve compression, destruction of the affected joints, and soft tissue deformity are all possible.
If undiagnosed, hyperuricemia can cause the attacks to get closer together until they disappear. This can lead to joint inflammation, joint deformity, joint swelling, and tophaceous deposits in the soft tissues around the joint. This can be accompanied by periods of acute arthritis.