Causes, signs and management of gout

Gout develops due to deposition of excess uric acid on joints, leading to joint redness and swelling as well as severe pain and limited mobility.

Generally, gout and increased uric acid level is usually due to:

• Excessive intake of proteins especially red meat as well as over consumption of coffee and tea.
• Improper kidney functions, so the kidney is unable to excrete uric outside the body through the urine, which leads to accumulation of uric acid in the body and its deposition on the joints.

The patient suffers mainly from sudden and severe episodes of pain; also the affected joint tends to be swollen and edematous with color changes in the overlying skin.

It's noted that every pain episode usually affect just one joint; the targeted joint is changed from one episode to another. Anyway, the joints most vulnerable to gout attacks include; the wrist and elbow joints in upper extremities & big toe, knee and ankle joints in the lower extremities.

Clinical picture of gout isn't enough for diagnosis; so for confirmation, it's advised to check blood uric acid level.

Management of gout includes the following:

1. Medications: analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and swelling + corticosteroids + colchicine.
2. Physical rest.
3. Avoiding high-protein diet and limit red meat intake.
4. Limitation of coffee and tea.
5. Regular check of blood uric acid level.
6. Stop smoking.