Pictures of Gout
What is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis. It causes sudden and severe pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling in joints. The attack is typically in only one joint at a time. The joints that are affected include the knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist, elbow, and large toe. Other joints can be affected but usually are not.
Symptoms:
- Intense pain in the joint. The pain is sudden and can wake the person from sleeping.
- A swollen joint that is warm.
- The skin around the joint is usually red or purple.
- Victims who suffer from gout for a number of years will have a build up of uric acid crystals. These uric acid crystals form nodules called "tophi." They look like lumps underneath the skin. These formations can be near the joints, on the rim of the ears, or in the kidneys.
The following are pictures of gout. They show the nodules that can be seen under the skin:
Causes:
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid crystals. The kidneys can not get rid of the uric acid. The crystals then build up in the joints. Heredity, diet and excessive alcohol all have a hand in gout.
Frequency of Gout Attacks:
The same joint can have more than one attack. The first attack can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks if it is left untreated. As time goes on gout attacks become more frequent. More and more joints become affected by gout. The symptoms become more severe over time and they often last longer. The repetition of the attacks begins to damage the joints.
Who can Gout affect?
More than two million Americans are affected by Gout. For the most part these Americans include men between forty and fifty years old, those who are overweight, alcohol drinkers and patients who have to use diuretics for blood pressure or heart failure.
Diagnosis:
Due to the fact that high blood uric acid levels is fairly common, blood tests can not diagnose gout. Instead, the fluid is taken off of the joint. It is then inspected closely for uric acid crystals.
Treatment:
Gout can not be cured. However, it can be relieved. An anti-inflammatory drug can be prescribed in order to lessen the pain and reduce the inflammation. Medication to lower the uric acid levels can also be prescribed. Eating less red meats and organ meats, shellfish, anchovies can help. Also drinking less alcohol can aid in the relief.
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