Gout is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation, usually in one joint, that begins suddenly. Gouty arthritis is caused by the deposition of needle-like crystals of uric acid in a joint.
Gout symptoms and signs include
- Nodules under the skin called tophi
- Joint redness
- Swollen joints
- Joint pain
- Warmth of the joint
Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia, where there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat.
Foods and drinks that often trigger gout attacks include organ meats, game meats, and some types of fish, fruit juice, sugary sodas and alcohol. On the other hand, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soy products 6 Diseases That Can Mimic Gout (and Delay Your Diagnosis)
- Pseudo gout. It sounds like gout, it looks like gout, but it’s not gout
- Infected joint (septic arthritis)
- Bacterial skin infection (cellulitis)
- Stress fracture
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis.
Diagnostic methods include:
- Joint fluid test. Your doctor may use a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint.
- Blood test. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to measure the levels of uric acid in your blood.
- X-ray imaging.
- Ultrasound.
- Dual-energy computerized tomography (DECT).