Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis, which is commonly called gout, occurs as a result of metabolic disorders, namely purine or uric acid metabolism. That is, the balance between the synthesis of uric acid and its removal from the body is disturbed. As a result, uric acid salts accumulate in the blood, which in the form of microcrystals are deposited in joint tissues, vessel walls, kidneys. Men suffer from gout more often than women due to a higher concentration of sodium in their blood.

Symptoms of gout

Gouty arthritis begins without any symptoms. The initial stage is characterized by an increase in the concentration in the blood of uric acid. The first attack may appear several years after the onset of uric acid metabolism.

At the next stage of the disease there are sudden short night pains in the joints, most often on the big toes, sometimes in the elbow, ankle, knee or thumb joint, lasting up to 5 days, and then suddenly stop. Severe pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, an increase in skin temperature in the area of the affected joint. At first, acute periods are repeated every few months and last for a short time. Gradually, the interval between attacks decreases, and their duration increases.

Thus, gouty arthritis acquires a chronic character, in which articular cartilage begins to break down, cavities filled with salt microcrystals are formed in the bones around the joint. Sometimes accumulations of salt are observed under the skin in the form of white knots. Nodules or tophus appear in the area of the joints or on the ears.

Often, gouty arthritis is accompanied by the accumulation of uric acid salts in the kidneys, which leads to urolithiasis.

In women gout proceeds in a lighter form and is characterized by pain and swelling in the knee and ankle joints.

Causes of the disease

About gout knew even under Hippocrates, but science has not yet been able to fully understand the reasons for its appearance. It is known that the disease is inherited, affects men and women of post-menopausal age. Gouty arthritis, a diet in which it is very important, is often exacerbated by the abuse of alcohol, chocolate, meat, smoked foods, strong coffee. Of food, only one-third of excess uric acid enters the bloodstream. An increase in its concentration is also associated with impaired renal function or an abnormal purine metabolism. The risk factor is overweight and high cholesterol.

Treatment of gout

Gouty arthritis, whose treatment is aimed at keeping the disease under control, is completely incurable today. When the first signs of the disease appear, you should immediately register with a doctor, because timely treatment can help reduce the frequency of seizures. The fight against gout is impossible without a special diet, which will have to be kept for life. You should drink more water, include vegetables, fruits, dairy products in the menu and restrict the consumption of fish and meat. It is necessary to refuse alcohol, fatty, salty, smoked. Suffering from gout is recommended to monitor weight.

During the exacerbation of gouty arthritis, one should adhere to bed rest and limit contact of the joint with the linen. Doctors usually recommend applying ice or putting a hot compress, as well as prescribing drugs that reduce swelling and pain. Thanks to treatment, the attack passes in a few days, and without treatment can last several weeks.

For the prevention of medics prescribe drugs that remove uric acid from the body and prevent the deposition in the joints of salt crystals.