Gout
What is it?
Gout strikes when sharp crystals form in a joint.
Characterized by sudden, intense attacks of pain, it most often affects the big toe.
A gout attack can strike suddenly. It can wake people up in the middle of the night, with pain so bad that even a bed sheet on it is agony.
Gout episodes come and go — but there are ways to prevent flares and manage the symptoms.
Characterized by sudden, intense attacks of pain, it most often affects the big toe.
A gout attack can strike suddenly. It can wake people up in the middle of the night, with pain so bad that even a bed sheet on it is agony.
Gout episodes come and go — but there are ways to prevent flares and manage the symptoms.
Causes
Gout happens when urate crystals build up in your joint when you have high levels of uric acid.
You produce uric acid when your body breaks down purines. Purines are found in certain foods, including:
You produce uric acid when your body breaks down purines. Purines are found in certain foods, including:
- Red meat
- Seafood
- Alcoholic drinks
Signs and Symptoms
Gout symptoms almost always occur suddenly. They include:
- Intense pain. Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can happen in any joint including the ankles, knees and wrists. The pain is most severe within the first 12 hours.
- Redness and inflammation. The affected joint turns swollen, tender, warm and red.
- Lingering aches. After the severe pain subsides, joint discomfort can last for a few days.
- Stiffness. Repeated gout attacks can cause permanent joint stiffness.
Treatment and Prevention
Managing gout is usually approached in two-ways:
Medication
Colchicine reduces inflammation and pain. Allupurinol, meanwhile, reduces uric acid levels which form the crystals.
Sometimes corticosteroids are used to relieve severe, unresponsive gout cases.
Lifestyle
Foods and drinks containing high purine levels (alcohol, red meat and shellfish) are best avoided for gout sufferers.
- Medication to reduce uric acid and pain
- Lifestyle changes to limit purines
Medication
Colchicine reduces inflammation and pain. Allupurinol, meanwhile, reduces uric acid levels which form the crystals.
Sometimes corticosteroids are used to relieve severe, unresponsive gout cases.
Lifestyle
Foods and drinks containing high purine levels (alcohol, red meat and shellfish) are best avoided for gout sufferers.
HCPC-registered Podiatrist Aberdare
Many of my patients have fought off gout attacks. It can sometimes leave the joint permanently stiffened and their big toe prone to problems.
Get in touch if you have any gout-related toe issues.
Get in touch if you have any gout-related toe issues.
