Known as one of the most complex and common forms of arthritis, you have probably already heard about gout. It is characterized by severe and sudden attacks of swelling, pain, redness and tenderness of your joints. Usually, it starts in the joint of the big toe.
Gout can cause a lot of discomfort and pain, and you should learn more about it. If you are interested, you can visit https://arthritiscare.com.au/service/gout, or you can simply contact your doctor and have a proper talk. Openly tell your doctor about your symptoms and worries about gout.
Gout happens suddenly
Gout symptoms
The symptoms and sings of gout tend to happen suddenly. They also often happen at night, and can cause severe pain. You should know when to visit your doctor in this case, and if you are interested in the symptoms to look out for, continue reading.
- Pain in the joints. Gout causes sudden and severe attacks of pain, and they usually happen in the joint of your big toe. However, they can also happen in other joints, such as your knees, elbows, fingers, wrists and ankles. The pain will be severe, from four to twelve hours, and then it will slowly start to subside.
- Lingering discomfort. After the pain is gone, you will be left with a lot of discomfort, which can last from a couple of days to a few weeks. The attacks after the first one will be a lot more painful and they will last even longer. They can also affect a lot more joints.
- Inflammation, redness and motion. After the attack, your joint or joints will be swollen, red and tender. You might also experience limited range of motion in those joints or you might just not be able to move the joints as you could before.
Risk factors
One is more likely to develop gout if he/she/it is exposed to any factors that could increase uric acid levels in your body. The high levels of uric acid are at fault for causing gout, and they can be affected by a number of factors. For example, your diet, obesity, certain medications, family history of gout… and so on.
Treatment
Today, gout can be effectively managed and treated with a proper medical treatment, and self-management strategies. Your doctor will come up with a plan that will cater to your individual case, thus manage the flares of pain, prevent them in the future, and prevent tophi and kidney stones.
You might also develop other conditions, such as scleroderma. If you want to find out more about that condition or gout, you can check out the gout and scleroderma specialist in Brisbane at arthritisCARE or talk to your local doctor.
Scleroderma will affect your skin
Final word
The best way to learn more about your particular case, is to visit your doctor and have a good chat. Openly tell your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing, and make sure to follow the treatment plan!