The 8 Signs and Symptoms
of Gout
By Lisa McDowell
Gout generally starts by developing in the joint of the big
toe, which is called the hallux. Some of the symptoms of gout
are inflammation of the joints affected, pain and redness of
the area which gout has occurred, stiffness in the joints
affected, and swelling around the joints affected.
Some of the other symptoms or signs of gout can be found
throughout the body these may include pain and swelling in
areas such as: the big toe, ball of the foot, arch of the foot,
ankle, knee, knuckle, wrist, elbow, and hip. Some of the more
clear cut signs that gout has occurred are: gouty arthritis,
tophi (hard lumps that are under the skin and happen around the
joints affected), Hyperuricemia, skin lumps, arthritis of one
joint, arthritis attacks which are rapidly onset, and recurrent
arthritis attacks.
When moving or touching a toe that has been affected by gout it
is severely painful and by not letting it breath or by keeping
it covered it can become even more painful. Gout is a disease
in which the symptoms develop at a quick pace. Many times the
symptoms occur in one day and generally it only occurs in one
joint at a time.
It’s pretty rare if symptoms
of gout develop in two or three joints at the same time. When widespread
symptoms occur like this it is more than likely not gout. But if symptoms
are left untreated and it is gout than it is very serious, as gout can
permanently damage joints and even cause disability. This is why it’s vital
to not delay in getting gout diagnosed. If you feel you are displaying any
gout symptoms your best course of action would be to make an appointment
with your doctor as soon as possible.
Once you’ve got yourself along to the doctors there are four common
methods for pinpointing the disease.
1. Medical history review and a physical examination – Your physician should
look at your family history and personal medical history. A clear indication
of gout can be tophi, which are lumps under the skin, as well as a red shiny
area above the affected area. There are some conditions besides gout in
which these symptoms occur so a thorough medical examination is needed.
2. Blood test – A blood test is important as it can determine the amount of
uric acid in the blood. However, this isn’t always the best method for
diagnosing gout, as high uric acid in the blood does not always mean you
have gout. Also if a person is currently undergoing a gout attack uric acid
levels in the blood can be in the normal range.
3. X-Rays – Tophi crystals show up in x-rays as they can be seen under the
skin. Many times though x-rays can miss affected joints as they can have
gout but appear to look normal.
4. Arthrocentesis – The most reliable method of diagnosing gout is by using
arthrocentesis. Basically a sample of the synovial fluid is taken from the
affected joint via syringe and needle. This synovial fluid is then looked at
under a microscope and if there is a presence of monosodium urate (MSU)
crystals in the fluid than you have gout.
Once you have a firm diagnosis of gout, you can take steps to keeping the
condition under control.
About The Author: Lisa McDowell has an interest in Gout. For further
information on Gout please visit
http://www.cure-gout-now.com/gout.html or
http://www.cure-gout-now.com/blog/2006/09/27/the-8-signs-and-symptoms-of-gout/
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