By This is a very common and complex disease, which is a form of arthritis. It has a couple of very specific symptoms, and often times it is easily diagnosed once the symptoms start appearing. However, you should not try to diagnose yourself, you should visit a doctor.
There are many doctors to be considered, and make sure to do your research for a doctor you actually trust. If you are interested in learning more about gout, you could visit https://arthritiscare.com.au/service/gout, or you can do your homework elsewhere. You could also talk to your doctor.
Gout can cause a lot of sudden pain, and it usually affects the joint of the big toe
What is gout?
As it was mentioned, gout is a complex and common form of arthritis. It could affect anyone. In most cases, it is characterized by severe and sudden attacks off pain, swelling, tenderness and redness in the joints. Usually, gout will affect the joint of the big toe.
A gout attack will happen suddenly, and it could wake you up in the middle of the night, with the feeling that your big tie is on fire. The pain is so intense, that even the sheet covering your toe could feel as if it is too much. The affected joint will be swollen, hot and very tender. Gout symptoms could come and go on their own, but there are treatments to help manage the symptoms.
The symptoms and signs of gout will almost always occur suddenly, and usually at night. They include:
- An intense pain in your joints. Gout will often affect the large joint of the big toe. However, it can affect any joint. Some of the most commonly affected joints are elbows, wrists, fingers, knees, and ankles. When the symptoms start, the severe pain could last anywhere from four to twelve hours.
- Lingering discomfort. After the pain starts to subside, some discomfort in the joint could last from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. The attacks after that will last longer and they could affect even more joints.
- Redness and inflammation. The joints that are affected will be tender, warm, swollen and red.
- Limited range of motion. As the gout starts to progress, you might experience a limited range of motion.
Gout can, however, affect other joints in your body as well
Other forms of arthritis
Do not forget that there are many other forms of arthritis, and whether you are suffering from gout or maybe rheumatoid arthritis, is something only your doctor can diagnose. If you are interested, you could also check out rheumatoid arthritis specialist near me, which can help you find local doctors.
Final word
Gout can be a very uncomfortable and painful form of arthritis, but the symptoms are manageable. You do not have to be in pain, so make sure that you visit your doctor. He or she will give you a proper treatment plan to follow, that will be tailored to your specific case!
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