Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.
The signs and symptoms of gout almost always occur suddenly — often at night — and without warning. They include:
• Intense joint pain: Gout usually affects the large joint of your big toe, but it can occur in your feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.
• Lingering discomfort..
• Inflammation and redness.
• Limited range of motion.
Tests to help diagnose gout may include:
• Joint fluid test. Your doctor may use a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint. When examined under the microscope, your joint fluid may reveal urate crystals.
• Blood test. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to measure the levels of uric acid and creatinine in your blood.
• X-ray imaging. Joint X-rays can be helpful to rule out other causes of joint inflammation.
• Ultrasound. Musculoskeletal ultrasound can detect urate crystals in a joint or in a tophus.
Treatment for gout usually involves medications. Aadil Hospital doctors will be choose medications based on your current health and your own preferences.
