Uric acid crystals in the joint causing inflammation

Description

Gout or uric acid crystals in the joint causing inflammation. It appears when there is inbalance between the production and secretion of uric acid. Uric acid crystals are being accumulated in the joints leading to an acute inflammation. Seizures usually recur and most often appear in big toe, leg, ankle, knee and hand. Pain may be severe and increasing even by a slightest touch to the affected joint.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, redness, sensation of warmth in affected joint.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Diagnosis is set by extraction of joint fluid with a needle (arthrocentesis) and testing of fluid on uric acid crystals. Blood test and X-rays may be recommended. However, sometimes testing is not necessary to determine gout.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC) and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Joint fluid analysis, uric acid level.

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine, Othopedics, Podiatry and Rheumatology

Therapy

Treatment includes rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indometacin, ibuprofen/brufen), colchicine, analgesics (paracetamol) and/or steroids. Later, after the acute attack eases up, following medicines and change in behavior can reduce number of seizures: probenecid, allopurinol, termination with alcohol consumption (particularly beer) and reduced consumption of red meat and seafood.