5 Uncommon Gout Symptoms
Extreme joint pain, swelling, warmth, and skin redness are classic signs of gout and signs if you have Gout, your aware of. The condition is the result of uric acid crystals depositing in a joint, typically in the big toe, heel, ankle, or knee. Not all cases of gout are typical, though.
Read on to find out about 5 uncommon but possible signs and symptoms of gout.
Fever
The inflammation experienced during gout flare-ups can become severe enough to cause fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.These symptoms are most likely to occur when a gout attack affects two or more joints. Inflammation in one or more joints, fever, and other flu-like symptoms can be caused by gout or another form of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or septic arthritis.
It is possible to have gout and another form of arthritis.
Lower Back Pain
While gout rarely affects the low back, experts suggest that a gout diagnosis be considered if low back pain is accompanied by fever and does not respond to other treatments. Gout in the low back may affect the lumbar spine and/or a sacroiliac joint. Gout in these joints may result in low back pain and/or hip pain. It is also possible for gout to affect the middle and upper spine. When gout affects any part of the spinal column it can lead to pinched nerves and vertebral bone damage.
Kidney Problems And Stones
Gout inflammation can occur when there is too much uric acid in the bloodstream. The relationship between kidney health and gout is documented in research. For some people, gout may be a sign of kidney disease and vice versa.
Gout In The Wrist
People who experience gout-related wrist pain typically have polyarticular gout, meaning gout affects more than one joint. Gout pain appearing only in the wrist is rare. An accurate gout diagnosis can be elusive when symptoms occur in a joint that is less susceptible to uric acid deposits. Gout typically affects joints in the lower extremities.
Skins Bumps
People with chronic gout can develop bumps under the skin near a joint. Tophi may develop if gout is untreated or under treated for many years. Compression of nearby nerves, which is uncommon but can happen when gout occurs in the spine and-more rarely-in the wrist and elbow. While gout attack symptoms do resolve on their own, people are advised to seek medical treatment. Gout can become chronic and cause lasting joint damage.
Summary
Although the symptoms of a gout attack do go away on their own, people are encouraged to contact a doctor. Gout can develop chronic and harm joints permanently if it is not addressed. However, as this website emphasizes, drink more water, reduce your alcohol intake and eat low purine foods.
A clinical examination and interview serve as the basis for diagnosis. Patients are urged to be open and honest with their medical professionals about their dietary, alcoholic, and other lifestyle choices. The development of a treatment strategy and the diagnosis of gout can both benefit from this candor. Blood tests, urine tests, and imaging procedures like x-rays and ultrasounds may also be used in diagnosis.
Advice on avoiding alcohol and certain foods and drinks that are known to cause gout, such as shellfish, red meat, and organ meats, is a common part of treatment. It is frequently advised to use medications to reduce blood urate levels since these amounts can trigger gout attacks. Another efficient strategy to lower the risk of both acute and chronic gout is by losing excess weight.
