Gout Arthritis

 31 Maret 2016   

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Gout is caused by increase of  uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia).

Uric acid may form crystals that build up in the joints. This causes the pain and other symptoms.

Gout can seem to flare up by:

• Overweight
• Eating a diet rich in meat and seafood (high-purine foods)
• Drinking too much alcohol.

Symptoms of gout

• Pain, swelling, and tenderness in a joint, usually big toe joint.
• Limited movement in the affected joint.

Call or see your doctor if you have:

• Severe pain in a single joint that comes on very quickly.
• Swollen, tender joints with warm, red skin over them.

It’s important to see your doctor even if the pain from gout has stopped. The uric acid buildup that caused your gout attack may still be irritating your joints and could eventually cause serious damage. Your doctor can prescribe medicines that can prevent and even reverse the uric acid buildup.

Laboratory test

test that may help with diagnosis and treatment of gout include:

• A joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis) to see whether uric acid crystals are present
• A medical history and physical exam
• A test to measure levels of uric acid in blood
• A test to measure levels of uric acid in urine
• X-rays of extremities (hands and feet)

Gout – Treatment Overview

The goals treatment for gout are  pain relief and prevention of future gout attacks and long-term complications, such as joint destruction and kidney damage.

To treat an acute attack

• Rest the affected joint
• Use ice to reduce swelling
• Medication : Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Colchicine , Oral corticosteroids

If gout symptoms have occurred off and on without treatment for several years, they may become ongoing (chronic) and may affect more than one joint.

• Take medicines as your doctor prescribes for pain.
• Take steps to reduce the risk of future attacks
• Manage your weight; get exercise; and limit alcohol, meat, and seafood