Psoriatic Arthropathy
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling in the joints. It occurs when there is an accumulation of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in and around the joints. These crystals trigger intense inflammatory responses, causing the classic symptoms of gout.
Key Features and Symptoms of GOUT
Acute Gout Attack:
- Sudden Onset of Pain: Gout attacks typically begin suddenly, often at night, with severe pain in a single joint. The most commonly affected joint is the big toe, a condition known as podagra.
- Redness and Swelling: The affected joint becomes red, swollen, warm, and extremely tender to the touch.
- Limited Range of Motion: Movement of the affected joint may be difficult due to pain and swelling.
Chronic Gout:
- Recurrent Attacks: Without proper management, gout attacks can become more frequent and severe over time, potentially leading to chronic gout.
- Tophi Formation: Persistent high levels of uric acid can lead to the formation of tophi—hard, urate crystal deposits under the skin, which can occur in joints, cartilage, and other tissues.
- Joint Damage: Repeated gout attacks can cause permanent joint damage, leading to chronic pain, deformity, and reduced joint function.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hyperuricemia:
- Gout is directly related to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, substances found naturally in the body and in certain foods.
Diet:
- Foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and alcoholic beverages (especially beer), can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks.
Genetics:
- A family history of gout increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
Medications:
- Certain medications, such as diuretics, aspirin, and drugs used to treat high blood pressure, can raise uric acid levels.
Obesity:
- Being overweight increases the production of uric acid and reduces its excretion, leading to hyperuricemia.
Treatment
Gout treatment focuses on managing acute attacks, preventing future attacks, and lowering uric acid levels in the blood.
Management of Acute Attacks:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation during a gout attack.
- Colchicine: An anti-inflammatory drug that can be effective if taken early during an attack.
- Corticosteroids: Oral or injectable steroids can be used for severe pain and inflammation when NSAIDs and colchicine are not effective or suitable.
Long-Term Management:
- Urate-Lowering Therapy (ULT): Medications like allopurinol and febuxostat lower uric acid levels in the blood and are used to prevent future gout attacks and reduce the risk of tophi formation and joint damage.
If you would like to have additional information contact Dr. Vipul Shet, serving communities and people from all walks of live.
