Gouty Arthritis: Do You Have It? You have noticed that your big toe joint has been hurting terribly. It has become reddish, warm, and swelling. You ignore the pain for a while and it eventually goes away. However, it will return at times with a vengeance. You may not be too old, but you are young at heart, so you might want to see your doctor to check if you have gouty arthritis symptoms. This type of arthritis is only one of more than 100. Gouty arthritis, however, is the most severe. It is caused by needle-like crystals made of uric acid in your joints. This disease is most commonly the big toe.
Take Note
However, other joints, such as the heel, elbows, knees and wrists, can also be affected. If you can picture those “needle-like” crystals pricking your joints then you will understand why this disease is so painful.
- Asymptomatic – The person has not experienced any pain in their joints but may have had elevated levels of uric acids tested. A doctor will usually not recommend any treatment at this stage. However, they may suggest changes in diet to prevent the condition worsening.
- Acute Gouty Attack – This stage is when the person feels pain, swelling, and redness in the joints. This is known as a “gouty episode”. These attacks can occur intermittently. To prevent the disease progressing, it is a good idea for you to see your doctor if you feel any pain in the joints.
- Interval – This is the time between gouty attacks and when the person isn’t experiencing any pain. Many people mistakenly believe that the worst is over when they reach the interval stage. They refuse to see a doctor. They don’t realize that intervals are exactly what they are called, and that there could be an attack just around the corner.
- Chronic gout – A condition in which there is a very short or no interval between attacks. This can lead to permanent damage to the joints. This type of gout requires constant pain medication and it is important that a physician supervises the disease at this stage. Acute Gout is the most severe stage. If one does not receive proper treatment, it can lead to irreversible damage.
Diagnosis
How is Gouty arthritis diagnosed?
- Synovial Fluid Analysis- Synovial fluid (joints) is taken from your joints using a sterilized needle that is inserted into the space. The fluid is straw-colored and then tested in a laboratory. Normally, fluids in the joints that appear cloudy or thick are abnormal.
- Uric Acid Test – This is a simple blood test that is taken from a vein. The blood is then tested to determine if there is any uric acid in the blood.
- Joint Xray – To see how arthritis has progressed in the joint, an x-ray may be necessary.
How is it treated?
Gouty arthritis treatment is usually focused on immediate relief and stopping the inflammation and pain that accompany the attacks. To prevent future attacks, medication is also prescribed. To reduce uric acid levels, it is possible to eat a low-purine diet.