1. Learn the Difference Between Chronic and Acute
While all types of gout attacks result in swelling and tenderness of the joints, chronic gout is often characterized by a mild numbing pain rather than sporadic attacks. Chronic gout is sometimes misdiagnosed as arthritis because many of the symptoms are similar. A clear way of differentiating both is to evaluate the intensity of the pain. While arthritis pain tends to be constant, gout pain tends to come in waves, last for several hours or days and then disappears until the next attack occurs. Acute attacks may occur up to a year apart, while chronic gout causes more frequent episodes, with constant milder pain in between them.
2. Look for Visible Signs
People who suffer from chronic gout usually have a permanent swelling around the joints, although this may be more pronounced in certain parts of the body and almost unnoticeable in others. Fingers and toes, especially the big toe, are the most affected, although swelling and tenderness of the elbows is also common.
Areas that are inflamed are often red or purplish, especially in older people, whose bodies are not able to dispose of the excess of uric acid as effectively. Some people also develop itchy or peeling skin around the affected area that doesn't respond to the application of creams or gels.
3. Undergo Diagnosis Early
The most effective test to determine whether or not you suffer from chronic gout is a blood or urine test to measure the level of uric acid in your body. This may not be enough, though, as not everybody with a high level of uric acid develops gout. If your doctor suspects the problem, the diagnosis can be confirmed by a series of X-rays of different joints of the body. X-rays showing inflammation and fluid concentration, especially when combined with the uric acid testing, will most likely confirm the diagnosis.
