Gout and Arthritis Symptoms

Study Notes

Gouty arthritis, also known as gout, is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Uric acid is a waste product that normally passes through the kidneys and is eliminated in the urine.
In people with gout, uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals that deposit in the joints, causing inflammation and pain.

Age: Gout is more common in people over 40
Gender: Men are more likely to develop gout than women
Family history: Having a family history of gout increases the risk
Diet: Consuming foods high in purines, such as organ meats, seafood, and beer
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing gout
Certain medications: Diuretics, aspirin, and certain blood pressure medications can increase the risk of gout

Physical examination: Doctor may check for swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected joint
Blood tests: To check for uric acid levels in the blood
Joint fluid test: To examine the joint fluid for uric acid crystals
Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to rule out other conditions

Medications:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and inflammation
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Colchicine to reduce inflammation and prevent future attacks
- Urate-lowering medications to reduce uric acid production
Lifestyle changes:
- Losing weight, if overweight or obese
- Limiting or avoiding foods high in purines
- Staying hydrated to help flush out uric acid
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption

Gouty arthritis, or gout, is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals buildup in joints.
Uric acid is a waste product that normally passes through kidneys and is eliminated in urine.
In people with gout, uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals that deposit in joints, causing inflammation and pain.

Gout is more common in people over 40.
Men are more likely to develop gout than women.
Having a family history of gout increases the risk.
Consuming foods high in purines (e.g., organ meats, seafood, beer) increases the risk.
Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, aspirin, certain blood pressure medications) can increase the risk.

Physical examination: checking for swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected joint.
Blood tests: checking uric acid levels in the blood.
Joint fluid test: examining the joint fluid for uric acid crystals.
Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans): ruling out other conditions.

Medications:
- NSAIDs: reducing pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroids: reducing inflammation.
- Colchicine: reducing inflammation and preventing future attacks.
- Urate-lowering medications: reducing uric acid production.
Lifestyle changes:
- Losing weight, if overweight or obese.
- Limiting or avoiding foods high in purines.
- Staying hydrated to help flush out uric acid.
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

Family history increases the risk of developing gout
Foods high in purines, such as organ meats, seafood, and beer, can increase uric acid production
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing gout
Reduced kidney function leads to decreased uric acid excretion, increasing the risk of gout
Certain medications, including diuretics and cyclosporine, can increase uric acid levels
Certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, increase the risk of developing gout

Sudden, severe joint pain develops in the middle of the night, peaking within 6-12 hours
Affected joints become inflamed, tender, and swollen, appearing red and warm to the touch
The big toe, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists are the most commonly affected joints
Pain and swelling can make it difficult to move the affected joint, leading to limited mobility
Some people may experience a low-grade fever during a gout attack
Gout attacks can recur, with periods of remission in between, making it a chronic condition