Gouty arthritis can be defined as inflammation of the joints caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body especially in joints. This condition is caused by uric acid levels in the blood are too high so most of the uric acid is not filtered by the kidneys and remain in the body. If uric acid levels are too high then it will crystallize and accumulate in the joints.

This causes swelling, inflammation, stiffness and pain. Painful gout usually first attacking the big toe joint or ankle joint.

Gouty Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Preventions, Gout Attack, Gout Pain, Gout Treatments, Best Gout Specialist Singapore

Uric acid buildup can cause:

  • Sharp uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, usually in the big toe.
  • Build up of uric acid (called tophii) that look like lumps under the skin
  • Kidney stones from uric acid crystals in the kidney

Attacks of gout can be triggered by stress, alcohol, drugs, or other diseases. The initial attack will usually improve within 3 to 10 days, even without treatment. The next attack may come up again in a few months or even years later.

Symptoms Of Gouty Arthritis

The symptoms of gouty arthritis in the joints can occur include:

  • painful
  • swelling
  • red bruise
  • hot
  • stiffness in the joints

In addition to the big toe joints, gout can affect the joints in the instep, ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows

Causes of Gouty Arthritis

Gouty Arthritis is caused by the buildup of too much uric acid in the body. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of a material called purines. Purines found in all body tissues. Purines are also found in many types of foods, such as organ meats, sardines, legumes, fish, etc.

Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood. He passed through the kidneys and out of the body through urine. But uric acid can accumulate in the blood when:

  • The body produces more uric acid
  • Kidneys are not enough uric acid throwing
  • Many foods that contain lots of purines

If the levels of uric acid in the blood is too high, a condition called hyperuricemia. Most people who hyperuricemia do not develop gout. However, if excess uric acid crystallizes in the body, then arose gout.

Risk Factors Gouty Arthritis

Some factors that may increase a person’s risk of gouty arthritis include:

  • have family members who suffer from gout
  • men are more at risk than women.
  • overweight
  • drinking too much alcohol
  • eating too many foods contain high levels of purine
  • has disabled the enzyme so the body is difficult to disentangle the purine
  • exposed to lead pollution of the environment
  • had experienced graft (transplant) organ
  • consume too much drugs

Diagnosis Of Gouty Arthritis

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, and family history associated with gout:

  • Uric acid levels in the blood (Hyperuricemia)
  • Uric acid crystals in joint fluid
  • More than one attack of acute arthritis
  • Arthritis experienced more than a day with symptoms of joint swelling, red and warm
  • The attack only one joint, usually the big toe, ankle, or knee.

To confirm gout, your doctor may examine the joint fluid samples from the affected joints to ensure the uric acid crystals. Blood test may also be conducted to check the level of uric acids.

Gouty Arthritis Treatments

Gouty Arthritis treatments include:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Anti-inflammatory injections
  • Oral medications for gout
  • Clean up for severe cases

Prevention of Gouty Arthritis

Some of the actions you can do to prevent gout include:

  • eating a healthy balanced diet, eat less food rich in purine.
  • drink plenty of water.
  • if you are sick take medicine recommended by your doctor.
  • health check including checks of blood on a regular basis.
  • regular exercise.

Need Consultation for Gouty Arthritis?  Please contact us by calling (65) 66532628 or Schedule an Appointment here on our website. Our professional orthopedic specialist, has more than 20 years experience. Be assured that you will be receiving professional treatments that suit your needs. Consultations are covered by most insurance. Hurry Up! Treat your gout attack today and get a complimentary of Dr Kevin Yip’s diet book today!

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