Gout
Gout is the precipitation of insoluble crystals into tissues, usually in and around joints. These crystals are forms from monosodium urate. Usually these crystals solidify and precipitate in the big toe or another single joint. Symptoms of gout include acute pain, tenderness, warmth, redness, and swelling of the affected joint. Diagnosis requires identification of crystal in fluid that soaks the joint. Treatment of acute gout attacks is with anti-inflammatory drugs. Gout attacks are prevented with NSAIDs and/or colchicine, and, for persistent hyperuricemia (elevelated levels of uric acid in the blood), allopurinaol or uricosuric drugs.
The likelihood that the symptoms of gout are more severe and last longer are proportional to how high the blood uric acid levels are. Urate levels can be elevated because of decreased excretion, increased production, or increased purine intake (purines are organic molecules produced from the digestion of proteins). Decreased renal excretion is by far the most common cause of hyperuricemia causing gout.
Urate precipitates as needle-shaped crystals which are deposited in joint spaces. These crystals precipitate in cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or around cooler joints and tissues of the periphery. In severe hyperuricemia, urate crystals causing gout can deposit in central joints or organs.
Acute instances of gout may follow stress or fatigue or a diet high in purine-rich food or alcohol. Attacks usually begin with a sudden onset of pain, often at night. It usually involves the toes but can include ankles, knees, wrist, and elbows. The pain usually comes progressively severe over the next few hours. The joint usually shows swelling, warmth, redness, and extreme tenderness. If you are also in need to an x-ray clinic in Toronto, we have friends that can help with your ailments!
Gout
Usually the first attack will last only a few days with a significant time in between. As the disease progresses, the attacks become more regular with less time between them. They also begin to involve more and more joints. Eventually, several attacks may occur each year and joint damage could result. When gout causes joints to become deformed or damaged, this is known as gouty arthritis.