The information in the article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guide to self-diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor. 

Contents:

Causes of gout

  1. Symptoms of gout

  2. Stages of the disease

  3. Possible complications of gout

  4. Classification of the disease

  5. Diagnosis of gout

  6. Methods of treating gout

  7. Features of nutrition for gout

  8. Prevention of gout

Gout – is a systemic disease that is accompanied by the deposition of uric acid crystals and the development of an inflammatory process in the joints, soft tissues and kidneys. When it becomes chronic, it can cause deformation and restriction of joint mobility, as well as kidney failure, the formation of stones and the development of other complications.

Selecting effective therapy and correcting the diet can control the disease. Many patients manage to achieve asymptomatic remission.

In Kyiv, you can undergo diagnostics and receive a consultation from an experienced rheumatologist at the medical center «Oxford Medical».

Symptoms of gout

As a rule, the disease first manifests itself in the form of a gouty attack. It is characterized by a sharp onset and increase in symptoms. Most often they appear at night or early in the morning. Initially, there is acute pain in one of the joints and severe swelling. The skin around it becomes red and warm. The mobility of the joint decreases. It is also possible to increase the body temperature, the appearance of general weakness and other symptoms of an inflammatory disease.

A gout attack can last from 3 to 10 days. Then the pain, swelling and redness go away, and the mobility of the joint is restored. However, this does not mean recovery. Even if the condition has improved and there are no complaints, you should consult a doctor.

Specialists from “Oxford Medical” warn that without treatment, gout will progress. The next attack may occur after several months or even years, but gradually their duration increases, and symptom-free intervals shorten.

In addition to gout attacks, symptoms of the disease may include:  

  • periodic attacks of pain lasting several hours;

  • occurrence of pain in various joints;

  • formation of tophi (granulomas) – deposits of uric acid crystals in the subcutaneous tissue in the joints, forearms, shins, hips and auricles;

  • reduced joint mobility;

  • change in the shape of the joints.

In many patients, the development of gout begins with damage to the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot, but the inflammatory process can also spread to the radiocarpal, elbow, knee and other joints.

Stages of the disease

Gout is a progressive disease that has 4 stages:

  1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia – the level of uric acid in the blood increases, resulting in the deposition of a small amount of crystalline substances in the joints and other tissues of the body. In this case, there are no symptoms of the disease.

  2. Gout attack, or acute arthritis - this is the active phase of the disease, during which severe pain, swelling and redness of the skin around the joint develop, and its mobility is also limited.

  3. Intermittent stage - periods of exacerbation (gout attacks) alternate with periods of remission, when the symptoms completely or almost disappear.

  4. Chronic gout - the disease becomes chronic if the inflammation does not go away within 3 months. It is accompanied by the formation of large tophi, joint deformation and limited mobility. Often causes the development of complications.

Possible complications of gout

Possible complications of gout

It is advisable to start treatment for gout at an early stage. Without appropriate therapy, the disease can progress rapidly, causing irreversible changes in the joints and other complications.

The most dangerous consequences of gout are:

  • polyarthritis;

  • limited joint mobility;

  • severe chronic pain;

  • formation of kidney stones;

  • gouty nephropathy;

  • renal failure.

Causes of gout

The main cause of gout Gout is a high level of uric acid in the blood - it is a metabolic product that is excreted from the body with urine. If its concentration in the blood increases (this condition is called hyperuricemia), crystal deposits form in the synovial fluid that fills the joint cavities. They are perceived by the immune system as foreign, which triggers a cascade of immune reactions and develops an acute inflammatory process - gout attack, or acute arthritis.

A high concentration of uric acid in the blood can be caused by its increased production or insufficient excretion. The reasons for this are various diseases or long-term use of certain medications, as well as dietary features.

The risk of developing gout increases against the background of:

ischemic heart disease;

hemoglobinopathy;

  • genetic predisposition;

  • renal failure;

  • metabolic disorders;

  • diabetes;

  • hyperglycemia;

  • hypertension;

  • chronic hemolytic anemia;

  • myelo- and lymphoproliferative diseases;

  • obesity;

  • alcohol abuse;

  • predominance of fatty meat and fish, legumes, eggs, mushrooms, chocolate and carbonated drinks in the diet;

  • lead poisoning.

Gout exacerbation can occur with trauma to the affected joint, a general infectious disease, failure to follow a therapeutic diet, alcohol consumption, dehydration of the body (including as a result of heavy sweating when visiting a bathhouse or sauna).

Classification of the disease

Depending on the causes and mechanism of the disease development distinguish:

  1. Primary gout – is associated with insufficient function of enzymes that control the level of uric acid in the blood. It can be inherited and develop at a young age.

  2. Secondary gout is a complication of another disease, for example, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, etc.

Diagnosis of gout

Some symptoms characteristic of gout can also occur in other diseases: various forms of arthritis, spondyloarthritis, arthrosis, osteoporosis, bursitis, erysipelas and phlegmon. Only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis after performing a comprehensive diagnosis.

First of all, the doctor studies the patient's complaints and examines the joints: assesses their shape, size and mobility, the condition of the surrounding skin, and also checks for the presence of tophus.

To confirm the diagnosis, determine the stage of gout and clarify the root cause of the disease, the doctor may prescribe:

  • general and biochemical blood tests;

  • analysis to determine the level of uric acid in the blood serum;

  • general urine test;

  • blood test to determine the levels of creatinine, urea, glucose;

  • analysis of synovial fluid and tophus content (samples are taken by puncture);

  • Ultrasound of joints and kidneys;

  • X-ray or computed tomography of the affected joints.

If high blood sugar levels or signs of kidney pathology are detected, additional examinations and consultations with specialized doctors may be prescribed.

Gout treatment

Gout treatment methods

Gout requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. It is important not only to eliminate pain and other symptoms of exacerbation, but also to normalize the level of uric acid in the blood and prevent the progression of the disease.

In each case, the therapy program is drawn up individually. The patient may be prescribed:

  • drugs to reduce uric acid levels and improve its excretion from the body;

  • anti-inflammatory drugs;

  • painkillers;

  • physiotherapy procedures to reduce the inflammatory process and destroy uric acid salt deposits;

  • kinesiotherapy to restore mobility of affected joints;

  • therapeutic diet (table No. 6 or No. 8);

  • joint puncture to remove effusion;

  • surgical treatment in case of the formation of large tophi, fistulas or ulcers.

Most often, drug therapy is enough to control gout. By following medical recommendations, many patients achieve stable remission.

Features of nutrition for gout

Diet correction plays a large role in the treatment of gout. It is necessary to control the level of uric acid. Patients are recommended to refuse to eat:

  • fatty fish and meat, lard;

  • meat semi-finished products, sausages;

  • smoked products;

  • canned food;

  • beans, peas and soybeans;

  • mushrooms;

  • eggplants, sorrel, spinach and radishes;

  • chocolate and confectionery with fatty cream;

  • cocoa, strong coffee and tea;

  • carbonated drinks and juices;

  • alcoholic beverages.

To maintain the water balance in the body, it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water daily.

Dietary disorders (overeating or fasting), alcohol consumption, or dehydration can trigger a gout attack.

Gout prevention

To reduce the risk of developing gout or aggravating the disease, it is recommended to:

  • follow the principles of a healthy diet;

  • maintain weight within normal limits;

  • control blood sugar and uric acid levels;

  • treat all diseases in a timely manner.

To prevent the disease from worsening and complications from developing, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first symptoms gout.

To make an appointment for a consultation with a specialist at «Oxford Medical», call our contact center or leave a request on the website.