People suffering from gout should be aware of gout crystals, as the pain and other symptoms they experience in association with this condition are triggered by them. Gout crystals are crystals of uric acid that form when the amount of this chemical in the blood is higher than the normal rate. Increased amounts of uric acid can lead to the formation of crystals that can accumulate in the joints and different other body parts.
Gout crystals can even damage your internal organs including the kidneys, liver, heart, etc. Therefore, it is important for you to control the levels of gout crystals in the body to get relief from the problems caused by them. Therefore, we list some of the important things you want to know about gout crystals so that you can effectively manage them. If you are suffering from this condition, then it is significant for you to reduce the levels of uric acid crystals to get relief from your gout symptoms.
What Are Gout Crystals?
Gout crystals or uric acid crystals form when there is too much uric acid in the body. Uric acid, which is a waste product produced by the body, will be eliminated through the urine by the kidneys. However, if your kidneys are not functioning properly, it can interfere with the elimination of uric acid which can increase its amount in the human body.
The excess uric acid circulating through your bloodstream can get deposited in the joints thereby leading to the formation of gout crystals. They can create intense pain and inflammation in the joints which can lead to other issues like swelling and stiffness.
Where Do Gout Crystals Form?
One of the common locations affected by gout is the big toe. The uric acid is sensitive to temperature, hence, it crystalizes in areas that are distant from the heart. This makes the big toe one of the favorable joints for uric acid to crystallize.
In addition to the big toe, gout can develop in different other joints including wrists, elbows, ankles, knees, foot joints, finger joints, etc.
How To Detect The Presence Of Gout Crystals?
As the symptoms associated with gout can mimic the health issues caused by several other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will look for the presence of uric acid crystals in the joints to determine whether you are suffering from gout. Tests like CT scans and X-rays are used for finding out the presence of gout crystals.
If gout crystals are present in your joints, your doctor can recommend different treatments to eliminate them. Medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes might help with gout relief so that you can alleviate the symptoms resulting from this condition.
