The accumulation of sodium urate crystal deposits in the joints leads to Gout. This disorder is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. It leads to swelling of the joints, which can be very painful. More men than women suffer from Gout. It usually develops in men who are above 40 years of age. Gout is a post menopause disorder among women. It is often a hereditary disorder. Though gout usually develops in middle age, some younger people are also known to be suffering from it. Gout and Pseudogout are sometimes confused with each other. This is because both have similar symptoms. However, Gout and Pseudogout are developed due to different causes. Unlike Gout, Pseudogout is not caused by uric acid, but by calcium sulphate.
Gout and Psuedogout are similar in the sense that both these disorders are caused by crystal formation in joints. Pseudogout can cause Arthritis attacks. In Gout, the feet and the big toe are most acutely affected. It affects other joints also, such as the wrist, knee, elbow and ankle. High levels of uric acid in the blood is the most common cause of Gout. However, gout also be caused by a hereditary disease like Leukemia. This kind of gout is known as 'Secondary Gout'.
Gout leads to severe pain in the joints. A gout affected joint swells up and the skin over it stretches and becomes red. Fever, rapid heartbeat and nausea are other other symptoms.If Gout is not treated, the joint flexibility decreases and it may even become deformed. Both Gout and Pseudogout cause joint pains. The symptoms of Pseudogout are swollen, painful joints and long term Arthritis.
Gout is diagnosed by its symptoms and an examination of the joints. Uric acid in the blood is also tested. However, these tests may show normal readings during a Gout attack. Hence, Gout cannot be diagnosed only on the basis of Uric Acid tests.
|
|
In the case of chronic Gout, X-ray reports show the damage that the joint has suffered. Joint fluid is tested to determine Pseudogout. If a patient is suffering from this disorder, his joint fluid will contain calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
Gout pain can be controlled with the help of medicines. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and control joint swelling. In some cases joint activity may be reduced by using a splint. Pseudogout is treated by placing a needle in the affected joint and drawing out the fluid. This reduces the pressure in the joint. Steroid injections may also be prescribed as treatment. NSAIDS are used to reduce the severe pains caused by both Gout and Pseudogout. To know about Arthritis, Gout and Pseudogout, log onto arthritisxl.com .
|
