If you wake up one night to find that your big toe (or another joint) is swollen and incredibly painful, you are probably suffering from the same common ailment. What causes gout? How can gout be treated? And how can it be prevented? We are here to provide some useful recommendations.
Gout manifests as acute joint inflammation characterized by intense pain, swelling, and pressure tenderness. Surprisingly, gout is actually a metabolic disorder that develops when the level of uric acid in the body becomes elevated. In such cases, uric acid crystals precipitate in the joints, irritating them and causing inflammation. Gout poses a greater risk to men, especially those over the age of 50, due to the weakening of uric acid excretion in the kidneys with advancing age. Fortunately, if caught in time, gout is well-manageable and can be easily prevented with some attention and care.
Causes of the development of gout
The deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints, as the primary underlying cause of gout, can be triggered by various long-term factors, such as:
- the body producing too much uric acid;
- the body being unable to adequately excrete uric acid;
- the kidneys not functioning satisfactorily, leading to the retention of harmful substances in the body;
- overweight;
- excessive cooling of the limbs (for example, not wearing warm enough shoes in winter);
- pathological conditions of the joints that facilitate the deposition of uric acid;
- genetic factors;
- excessive consumption of protein or alcohol;
- enzyme deficiency;
- blood-related cancer diseases;
- metabolic syndrome (Metabolic X is also a metabolic disorder that can be an unpleasant side effect of gout, affecting even young individuals.)
Moreover stress, anxiety, depression, and infections can accelerate the progression of the disease.
What are the symptoms of gout?
Gout typically strikes people at night, often causing intense pain around the big toe. However, it can also develop in the joints of the upper or lower limbs. The big toe swells, reddens, and becomes warm at night, accompanied by such severe pain that it disrupts sleep. The affected joint becomes swollen, red, and extremely sensitive to pressure. Often, even the slightest touch makes us wince, and we can’t bear to have a blanket on our foot.
Rheumatic diseases can be easily confused with gout, as joint pain is a common underlying symptom for both. However, rheumatism also affects internal organs, not just the joints. If any joint is extremely painful to touch, it is worth seeking the opinion and advice of a rheumatologist as soon as possible.
The tendons are not safe either
If the patient leads an unhealthy lifestyle, such as frequent alcohol consumption or heavy smoking, there is a risk that uric acid crystals may also deposit in the tendons. In such cases, an unpleasant swelling occurs at the site of inflammation, especially around the knee, ankle, and fingers, which can be challenging to reverse. In severe cases, the patient can barely walk, and everyday tasks such as gripping and grasping become almost impossible.
Where can gout occur?
Most often:
- around the big toe,
but it can also occur
- in the wrist,
- in the ankle,
- in the knee,
- and in extreme cases in the tendons.
How can gout be treated?
If there is swelling around one of our joints and it becomes extremely sensitive, it is advisable to consult a specialist and seek their advice as soon as possible. Do not wait, as the more crystals accumulate in the joint, the more serious the problem becomes. However, if we notice it in time, the symptoms of gout can be alleviated quickly.
The following measures generally help relieve symptoms and promote recovery:
- Protect the affected joint, elevate the effected limb;
- Use a stabilising equipment to support the inflamed area;
- Apply regular compresses;
- Take anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by the medical practitioner;
- Follow a protein and purine-free diet;
- Consume as much anti-inflammatory herbal tea as possible;
- Avoid green vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, cucumber, sorrel, lettuce);
- Ensure adequate fluid intake;
- Avoid chocolate, mushrooms, and bananas;
- Avoid alcohol;
- Participate in physiotherapy during symptom-free periods. Preventing or reducing joint deformities can also be facilitated through exercises. It is recommended to position yourself in a way that allows you to see your big toe.
For example: Lie down on the floor and place the heel of the affected lower limb on the bed. Move your big toe towards the other foot, holding this position for a few seconds. Repeat the exercise on a daily basis.
Additionally, it is worth undergoing examinations to determine the cause of elevated uric acid levels. Monitor uric acid level during the diet.
If the diet is not taken seriously enough, and medical attention is sought only when the pain becomes unbearable, reversing the damage to the joint can be challenging. The joint may be distorted to an extent detectable even by X-rays. In such situations only strong medications can lower the uric and acid levels, and surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
How to prevent gout?
- Consume as little red meat as possible (only chicken is permitted);
- Regularly check uric acid level;
- Consume alcohol in moderation;
- Follow a purine- and protein-free diet.