🔺Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that presents as sudden pain, swelling, inflammation ( warm/hot and red) joints.
🔺Gout is caused by build up of uric acid in and around the joints resulting in crystals or tophi formation
🔺Mostly seen in great toe, but can also affect other joints such as foot, ankle, knees, fingers, elbows, knees , wrist, hands and shoulders.
🔺Predominantly seen in Males above 30 years of age > Females ( menopausal age)
RISK FACTORS
Genetics- Family history of Gout or increased uric acid levels
Obesity or high body weight
Diet- excess sugar intake, alcohol, meat and seafood
Medications- Occasionally if on low dose aspirin etc
Gender- Male, menopausal women
Conditions- Chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, Diabetes Type II
DIAGNOSIS
🔸Examination- red, swollen joint over night & tophi formation( swelling of the joint)
🔸Blood test- serum urate levels- >360 micromol/L (6 mg/dL) confirms Gout
🔸If joint is swollen aspiration is suggested, speak to your healthcare professional
MANAGEMENT
💊Acute case- Anti inflammatory medication ( naproxen) + omeprazole to reduce inflammation for the flare up
💉Steroid injection - For joint pain and inflammation
💊Colchicine is also recommended for flare up management
🩸Measure urate levels 4-6 weeks after flare up settles down
💊Long term - Allopurinol or Febuxostat ( medication) is suggested to manage the uric acid levels
🥗Diet and lifestyle advice- reduce alcohol 🥃intake, 🚭quite smoking, reduce 🥩intake of red meat, seafood (purine rich foods) , exercise to reduce weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle by regular exercise 🏃♀️
Purine rich foods-
Shellfish, including anchovies , crab, lobster, oysters and shrimp sardines, herring, mussels, codfish, scallops, trout and haddock .
Meats, such as bacon, turkey, veal, venison and organ meats like liver , beef, chicken, duck, pork and ham
#gout #jointpain #inflammation #purinefoods #uricacid #serumurate #painmanagement #patienteducation #blogpost