What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Gout?
- Hyperuricemia (increased amount of uric acid in the blood)
- Presence of uric acid crystals in joint fluid. (these crystals are caused by high concentrations of uric acid)
- More than one attack of acute arthritis. (Gout and pseudogout are examples of crystal-induced arthritis, caused by an accumulation of crystalline material in various parts of the body)
- Arthritis that develops in 1 day, producing a swollen, red, and warm joint
- Attack of arthritis in only one joint, usually the toe, ankle, or knee (joints are junctions where two bones meet. Most joints are composed of cartilage, joint space, fibrous capsule, synovium, and ligaments)
Who Is Likely To Develop Gout?
Gout occurs in approximately 840 out of every 100,000 people. It is rare in children and young adults. Adult men, particularly those between the ages of 40 and 50, are more likely to develop gout than women, who rarely develop the disorder before menopause. People who have had an organ transplant are more susceptible to gout.
What Is The Prognosis For People With Gout?
With proper treatment, most people with gout are able to control their symptoms and live productive lives. Gout can be treated with one or a combination of therapies.
Treatment can reduce both the discomfort caused by the symptoms of gout and long-term damage of the affected joints. Treatment will help to prevent disability due to gout.
