Gout affects more than half a million Americans and is defined as inflammation of the joints, according to the Patient Education Institute. The Patient Education Institute states that gout is one of the most painful rheumatic diseases, causing individuals intense pain for 12 to 24 hours. Gout usually affects one joint at a time, with the large toe most commonly affected, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Causes
Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate around the joint, creating inflammation and intense pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Urate crystals form when there is a high level of uric acid within the blood. The Mayo Clinic states high levels of uric acid accumulate in the blood from the body producing too much of it or from the kidneys excreting too little of it. Sharp, needle-like urate crystals then form within the joint causing pain, inflammation and swelling.
Risk Factors
The Mayo Clinic states factors that increase blood uric acid levels consist of excessive alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, diuretic medication and family history. Men are also more likely to develop gout earlier, between the ages of 40 and 50, while women are more susceptible to gout after menopause.
Symptoms
Gout symptoms are usually acute, occurring suddenly without warning. The Mayo Clinic states the pain typically begins at night, with the most severe pain being within the first 12 to 24 hours. After this 12-to-24-hour period, joint discomfort tends to linger for a few days to a few weeks. Other symptoms include swollenness, tenderness and redness.
The Patient Education Institute states gout typically occurs in the big toe, a condition known as podagra. However, gout can also occur in the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows.
Diagnosis
Fluid from the inflamed joint is drawn through a needle and inspected for sodium urate crystals, according to Cleveland Clinic. A lack of crystals does not completely rule out gout, because at times the crystals do not appear until additional fluid is taken, explains Cleveland Clinic.
Treatment
There is no cure for gout, but it can be treated and controlled. Cleveland Clinic states a doctor will develop a treatment plan after taking into consideration the patient's age, medications, overall health, medical history and severity of the person's gout attacks. The overall goal of a treatment plan is to relieve pain and inflammation while preventing future attacks, according to Cleveland Clinic. Primarily, gout is treated with medication.
