Gout treatment at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock
Gout is a chronic inflammatory joint disease associated with an excessive concentration of uric acid in the blood. For many years it was referred to as "podagra" when it affected the joint at the base of the big toe, however the disease can also affect other joints and tissues. If you struggle with sudden flare-ups of severe joint pain, swelling or have an elevated level of uric acid, a rheumatology consultation at OpenMed in Warsaw or OpenMed in Płock may be helpful. The doctor helps diagnose the cause of the complaints and select treatment that makes it possible to reduce the risk of further flare-ups.
Gout develops as a result of the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints and tissues. This happens when the body produces too much uric acid or cannot remove it effectively. The accumulated crystals trigger an inflammatory reaction that leads to severe pain, redness and swelling of the joint. If left untreated, the disease can lead to joint damage, the formation of gouty nodules and complications affecting the kidneys.
Causes of gout and risk factors
Gout can be associated with both genetic predisposition and lifestyle. The risk of developing the disease is increased by a diet rich in purines, overweight, obesity, arterial hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Excessive consumption of alcohol, especially beer and high-proof spirits, also plays a role.
In some patients, an elevated level of uric acid causes no symptoms for many years. The disease often reveals itself only at the moment of the first flare-up of joint inflammation. This is precisely why regular monitoring of health parameters is particularly important in people belonging to risk groups.
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Symptoms of gout
The most characteristic symptom is sudden, very severe joint pain that often appears at night or in the early morning. The joint becomes swollen, red and noticeably warmer than the surrounding tissues. A flare-up may last from a few days to a dozen or so days and then subside on its own.
Symptoms that may indicate gout include:
- sudden and very severe joint pain, most often of the big toe, ankle, knee or metatarsal joint,
- swelling, redness and increased warmth of the affected area,
- hypersensitivity to touch even with slight contact with bedding or footwear,
- recurrent episodes of joint inflammation, appearing at varying intervals.
In advanced cases, gouty nodules may appear, that is deposits of monosodium urate crystals accumulating under the skin and within the joints.
Diagnosis at OpenMed
The basis of diagnosis is a detailed medical history and an assessment of the characteristic symptoms. The doctor analyses the course of the pain flare-ups, coexisting diseases and the medications taken. An important element of diagnosis is laboratory tests, above all measurement of the concentration of uric acid in the blood.
Depending on the clinical situation, the doctor may order additional tests, such as a joint ultrasound, X-ray or other imaging examinations. They make it possible to assess the severity of the changes and rule out other causes of joint pain. Early diagnosis makes it possible to start effective treatment before permanent damage occurs.
Gout treatment
Treatment of gout includes both control of acute flare-ups of inflammation and measures aimed at lowering the level of uric acid. The doctor selects therapy individually, taking into account the severity of the symptoms, the test results and coexisting diseases.
During exacerbations, anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment is used. In long-term management, medications that lower the concentration of uric acid and lifestyle modification are of key importance. We discuss dietary recommendations, body weight control, proper hydration of the body and the reduction of factors that increase the risk of recurrence.
Regular follow-up visits make it possible to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the likelihood of further flare-ups of the disease.
Gout treatment - FAQ
Most often it is sudden, very severe joint pain combined with swelling, redness and increased warmth of the area.
No. Hyperuricaemia can occur without symptoms, however it increases the risk of developing the disease and requires medical assessment.
Treatment includes control of inflammatory flare-ups, lowering the concentration of uric acid and modification of diet and lifestyle.
It is recommended to limit products rich in purines and alcohol and to maintain a proper body weight and adequate hydration.
Yes. The disease requires long-term control and regular monitoring of the uric acid level in order to reduce the risk of recurrence and complications.