Gout - Causes, stages and treatment of inflammatory arthritis

What is gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis in response to an accumulation of crystals that are deposited in the joints, soft tissue or bone. The crystals formed as a by-product of purine degradation that occurs naturally in the body. About 5.1 million Americans suffer from gout. It affects more men than women over the age of 40, despite the fact that after menopause, men and women equally affected.

Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger

What causes gout?

Uric acidis a natural byproduct of the breakdown of purines, which is then excreted by the kidneys. Our bodies are not very effective, but to eliminate uric acid, and then the accumulation occurs, known as hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia is a precursor of gout, although not all those who have received the hyperuricemia gout, for reasons that are not well understood. This deposition leads to the formation of uric acid crystals in joints, bones and soft tissues. These needle-like crystals may be dyingThe pain, often compared to a fraction.

4 stages of gout

1. asymptomatic hyperuricemia

During this period, the person has no symptoms of gout, but none-the-less, the crystals settle and accumulate which then leads to gout. Why this happens in some people and not others with hyperuricemia is not well understood.

2. Acute gout

Without treatment, the acute self-limiting in 3-10 days. It is assumed thatInflammation and a lower pH in the attack that causes the crystals finally melt that occurs. In addition, some crystals in the tissues in other compartments of cells called macrophages may induce an anti-inflammatory. Finally, specific proteins thought to coat the crystals, which also suppress inflammation. These processes lead to a resolution of symptoms within 3-10 days.

3. interictal period

This is the time between attacks. In general,about 68% of the people is another attack of gout or rocket in the first year of experience, 78% within 2 years and 84% within 3 years. A small minority will never have another attack of gout. During this time, the individual interictal pain-free despite the fact that damage may occur to the underlying structures.

4. Advanced gout

Over time, lead to the persistence of crystals of low-level chronic inflammation that leads to joint damage and the accumulation of crystal depositswhich is known as tophi. These deposits lead to erosion and joint deformity, are clearly visible to X-ray or MRI.

Such as gout diagnosis?

The gold standard for diagnosis is to take a sample of joint fluid during an acute attack of analysis for Mononatriumuratkristallen. However, this is not always possible for a medical examination. If the seal is not removed, a very detailed history taken, the affected joint is carefully examined and blood work is orderedbecause gout can mimic diseases.That another reason why it is very important to consult your provider during an acute attack.

Such as gout treated?

During an acute attack the treatment of pain and disability is to eliminate as quickly as possible. To this end, different types of drugs are used. Since inflammation is an underlying disease, drugs that target inflammation are often used.

The treatment of gout peak centered on the reduction of uric acidbecause droplets do not occur without hyperuricemia. The aim is to prevent, change, erosion of bone, soft tissue and common areas that would otherwise occur. Talk to your provider about treatment options that suit you best.

Gout - Causes, stages and treatment of inflammatory arthritis