Acute Gouty Arthritis

What is it?

Gout is a disease that causes your joints to hurt. The pain is caused by uric acid crystals in a joint. Uric acid comes from the natural breakdown of chemicals called purines (pure-eens). Purines are normally found in some foods and medicines and in body cells. Gout is more common in men over 40 years of age. A gout "attack" may last a few days and can be treated with medicine. The attacks of gout can come back again and again. Some people with gout are more likely to have problems with kidney stones.

Causes:

Gout may be caused when your body makes too much uric acid. Or, it may be caused if enough uric acid does not go out of your body when you urinate. Different things can cause a gout attack to start such as some foods or medicines like cancer treatment. An injury, illness, or surgery may also start a gout attack.

Signs and Symptoms:

You may feel sudden severe pain in a joint, usually at the base of the big toe. It can affect the shoulder, elbow, knee, hand, foot, ankle, or arm joints. The joint may be red, hot, swollen, and very tender. You may have a fever and the skin over the joint may look shiny and red.

Care:

Gout can be treated and cured most of the time. You will probably be seen in a clinic or caregiver's office. Caregivers may take an x-ray of your affected joint. You may also need a blood or urine test. Caregivers may give you medicine to lessen the swelling and joint pain. A change in your diet, resting, and icing the joint may help gout go away more quickly. Ask your caregiver for information about gout to help you understand about the different tests and treatments.