Increased uric acid in the bloodstream causes Gout, a common cause of inflammatory joint pain. It is characterised by sudden onset, severe pain, swelling, and redness in multiple joints. However, it most commonly occurs in the large toe.
Gout can occur without warning and cause severe discomfort at night when you suddenly wake up to uncontrollable pain in your great toe, foot, ankle, wrist or fingers. You may also experience similar gout symptoms involving the wrist, elbow, knees or shoulder. The impacted joint feels warm, swollen, and extremely painful to touch, to the extent that even the slightest pressure from a bedsheet, causes unbearable discomfort.
For effective management of gout and related joint pain, consider consulting with one of the top ortho hospitals near you to address these painful conditions. To better understand how these painful symptoms arise, it's important to explore the risk factors that lead to increased uric acid production.
Risk Factors Leading to Increased Uric Acid Production
The main cause of an increased risk of experiencing such an episode is having high levels of uric acid in your body.
Factors that lead to an increase in uric acid levels are:
- Dietary habits: Frequent consumption of red meat.
- Drinking: Intake of alcohol and artificial fruit juices sweetened with fructose.
- Increased body weight: Excess body weight leads to more production of uric acid, due to which the kidneys need to work overtime to eliminate this waste product.
- Health issues: Conditions such as untreated Hypertension, renal diseases, diabetes, and obesity increase your risk of gout. In some people, certain types of vaccines can also trigger a gout flare.
- Medication intake: Small doses of aspirin, medicines used to suppress immunity after transplant surgeries, cancer treatment, etc.
- Genetic predisposition: You may be highly prone to developing gout if the condition runs in your family.
- Sex & age: High uric acid levels are more common in men. Following menopause, the levels of uric acid in women closely resemble those found in men. The commonest age group among men to develop high uric acid levels is between thirty to fifty years of age.
- Recent injury or surgery: Recent injuries or surgery can sometimes lead to gout.
What Causes High Uric Acid Levels in the Body?
Uric acid is a natural component in the body. Under normal circumstances, the balance between the production and elimination of uric acid by the kidneys keeps its levels in check. However, high uric acid levels can result from dietary factors, certain diseases, or medications) or reduced clearance by the kidneys. When uric acid accumulates, it forms sharp, needle-like crystals in the joints, leading to sharp, stabbing pain, inflammation, and swelling.
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Gout Symptoms: What to Look Out For
The indications of gout typically manifest suddenly, often during the night. They encompass:
- Sudden & severe joint pain: Gout most commonly affects the large toes and other joints of the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. The pain usually increases within 6-12 hours of onset.
- Prolonged discomfort: After the initial intense pain diminishes, there might be some persistent joint discomfort or mild throbbing pain for a few weeks or days. Any subsequent instances of pain following the initial one are expected to endure for longer periods and impact a greater number of joints.
- Signs of inflammation: There is noticeable swelling and redness in the affected area. Moreover, the joints with gout are warm and very sensitive to touch.
- Difficulty in moving the joint: As gout worsens, you may feel some restriction in moving your joints.
Best Treatment Options For Increased Uric Acid Production
- Rest
- Ice pack applications
- Anti-inflammatory tablets as prescribed by your doctor.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of oral fluids can help flush the excess Uric acid out via the kidneys.
- Uric acid lowering medications.
Complications Following the Occurrence of Gout
Untreated gout can lead to more complications such as:
- Repetitive formation of gout: Gout can be prevented with proper management and treatment. However, if not properly treated or left untreated, gout can reappear multiple times each year. It can result in bone erosion and permanent damage to the joint or joints.
- Advanced gout. If left untreated, gout can lead to the formation of urate crystals below the skin. The most commonly affected areas are the hands, elbows, feet, and behind the ankles.
- Renal stones. Crystals of urate can develop in the urinary tract of individuals with gout, leading to the formation of renal calculi. The commonest sites of stone formation include kidneys, ureters, etc. Medications can help minimise this risk.
Sri Balaji Hospital for Gout Treatment
If gout has been hampering your routine, help is at hand. Sri Balaji is one of the top multispeciality hospitals in Chennai offering first-class treatment for acute and chronic gout.
Book an appointment with our doctors and find relief through medication and other treatment options. Contact us today!
