Arthritis and Gout – Everything You Need to Know

Gout is technically a form of arthritis as it attacks the joints and causes inflammatory pain along those joints. Swelling, redness, and tenderness occur in these joints because they are inflamed. Gouty arthritis pain varies from person to person, and sometimes gout symptoms are hereditary. Every person has a different way of processing uric acid though; it’s just unfortunate that some suffer with arthritis gout. Gouty arthritis accounts for only a small portion of arthritis cases, which is about 5%.

This condition is very rare in children and young adults, but it isn’t impossible for them to get the condition. It mainly occurs in men and in the big toe, and can affect women as well. Men and women over 50 are most likely to suffer from gouty arthritis and therefore suffer the pain and symptoms that go along with it. If caught early on a lot of pain can be dismissed and the person can live normally without worry.

Gouty arthritis can also attack those with other health conditions, such as kidney and liver problems, as well as thyroid disease. This type of arthritis also feels similar to rheumatoid arthritis, and to some doctors the symptoms and conditions look extremely similar. Even after xrays it can be hard to distinguish the difference. Proper diagnosis is extremely important before the condition becomes damaging to the joints and bones. Uric acid crystals can actually start to dissolve the bone, causing weakened joints and painful movements.

This type of arthritis requires anti-inflammatory medications to treat the gout symptoms. The medicine will reduce the inflamed joints as well as reduce gout attacks. Some other forms of therapy are possible, but weight loss is the number one way to reduce the pain and symptoms associated with gouty arthritis.

Joining a support group can help individuals overcome their pain and learn to live a healthier lifestyle. Gouty arthritis will not kill you but it can make living your life to the fullest very difficult. It helps if you join an exercise group to help you focus on being healthy and getting in plenty of exercise. Nutrition classes can help you learn to cook nutritious meals that will not cause gout attacks, and offers plenty of other beneficial information for gout sufferers. Just because you have gouty arthritis, it doesn’t mean you have to suffer with the symptoms everyday!