In the United States, approximately 3.9 percent of people age 20 and older have gout.
This condition is a type of arthritis that most often affects the big toe. The attacks can happen suddenly, causing intense discomfort that can make it hard to walk and get comfortable.
Gout occurs when urate crystals start to build up in the joints. High levels of uric acid in a person’s blood can lead to the formation of urate crystals. Purines, a substance that your body naturally has, is also found in different foods, such as steak, seafood, and alcoholic beverages. When your body is breaking them down, it produces uric acid.
The joint pain is usually intense. Any joint can be affected, but it is usually the big toe. Other joints that are commonly affected include the knees, wrists, ankles, elbows, and fingers. Within the first 12 hours of the attack, the pain is typically the most severe.
The affected joint can appear red. This is due to gout causing inflammation. The joint might also become tender, warm, and swollen.
Once the severe pain starts to go away, it is possible for some discomfort to linger. This lingering pain can last up to a few weeks for some people.
As this condition progresses, people might find that their range of motion becomes limited. For example, with gout in the big toe, it may be hard to move the toe up or down.
Once someone has one episode of gout, they are at risk for future attacks. In some cases, recurrent attacks can happen up to several times per year. With recurrent attacks comes the risk of joint destruction or erosion.
When gout is not treated, it can become more advanced. At this point, it is possible to develop tophi, a type of nodule that may occur under the skin. The common areas for these nodules include the fingers, elbows, feet, hands, and along the Achilles tendon.
It is possible for the crystals that develop with gout to also develop in the kidneys and urinary tract. This could lead to kidney stones.
Colchicine can be used to reduce gout pain. Once the acute phase of a gout attack ends, this medication might be prescribed at a lower dose to help to prevent recurrent gout.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce inflammation to alleviate a person’s pain. During an attack, the dose may be higher.
Corticosteroids might be used short-term orally or via injection to reduce pain.
Uricosuric medications can help to improve how well the body removes uric acid.
Xanthine oxidase inhibitors can help to reduce the uric acid production in the body.
If you suspect that you have gout, it is important to see their doctor promptly. There are treatments that can help to reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks. It is also important to take advantage of any preventative methods to reduce the risk of attacks.