Gout is a painful and debilitating condition that causes joint inflammation. It affects millions of Americans every year. Gout can be blamed for any type of joint inflammation, but it has specific symptoms that are different from other forms. Gout can cause severe pain, swelling, heat, and redness around joints. These symptoms are different from other forms arthritis, where the pain is less severe and the joint is generally not as hot. Redness, heat and swelling can also occur in joint infection. However, it is much less common than an infection.
Differences
There are key differences between gout, arthritis, and an infection. First, gout causes redness to stay over the joint, rather than an infection that can spread. In most cases of adult joint infection, a puncture wound is required. However, in children, the infection may come from other parts of the body. Joint infection can often be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Gout usually does not have these symptoms.
Gout can affect many joints, but it is most common in the foot and knee. Gout typically affects the big toe joint or ankle in the foot. However, the toes may also experience gout. Gout can cause severe pain and inflammation that can last up to a week if left untreated. Gout can be caused either by stress in the body, such as during surgery, or by certain medications. Gout is often caused by an abnormality in the body’s processing of certain foods. Gout is caused by the body’s inability remove uric acid.
Food Factor
This crystal-shaped chemical forms when certain foods are broken down. These foods contain purines, which are found in the genetic material. Purines are more common in red meats, organ meats and some shell fish. This compound is broken down into many chemicals with uric acid as the main one. The uric acid is absorbed into the bloodstream and then passes to the kidneys. The kidney usually removes uric acids quickly from the bloodstream via urine. Gout is a condition in which the bloodstream retains uric acid until it reaches a concentration point that it cannot be dissolved.
The body’s uric acid crystallizes and deposits it in areas that are lower than normal, such as the feet, ankles, and knees. About 10% of people suffering from gout have excessive uric acid production, rather than an inability to eliminate it through the kidneys. No matter what the cause, crystals can cause severe inflammation that causes all symptoms. Although the reaction will eventually resolve on its own, treatment can significantly reduce the duration of symptoms.
Gout Attacks
Gout attacks can be isolated in many people. Some people are extremely unstable and may experience multiple attacks per year. Gout is diagnosed primarily by its symptoms. However, the blood uric acid levels can be measured directly. In many cases, however, the blood uric levels will not rise during an acute attack because the uric acids will have been deposited in joints and therefore will not be in the blood. The results of other tests, which are not performed during an acute attack of gout, can be more reliable in diagnosing chronic gout potential.
They measure the uric acid produced over a 24-hour period. A sample of joint fluid is the best way to diagnose gout. This fluid can be examined under a microscope to confirm its accuracy. Although it is difficult to get a sample of the fluid during acute attacks, this fluid can be used to provide a direct method for a lab laboratory to analyze for the presence uric acid crystals. Another condition similar to gout causes crystals to form in joints. This test can help you distinguish between them for the best treatment.
Treatment
To prevent repeat attacks, a change in diet and adjustments to any medications that can cause gout are necessary. Sometimes, repeated attacks can cause severe joint damage that requires surgery to correct. A procedure to remove any gout deposits is recommended in many chronic cases, particularly if they are forming under the skin.
Conclusion
Gout is a common joint disease that has been around for a long time. Gout can be controlled quickly with prompt care. This will help to reduce the pain and prevent any future joint damage. Gout sufferers who have gout more often than once or twice per year should be treated with medication to prevent recurring attacks. You should seek medical attention if your joint becomes red, hot and swollen. Other conditions may also have similar symptoms and may be more severe.