Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can often result in severe pain. It is formed as a result of uric acid build-up in the blood. For some people, gout attacks might happen only once in their lifetime, however, for some others, this condition can result in the repeated occurrence of gout symptoms that might last for longer periods. Chronic gout might lead to more severe symptoms that will get worse if not treated properly. Hence, we list some of the important complications of gout for your knowledge.
Impact On Your Daily Activities
Gout attacks normally occur at night and will wake you from your sleep. It can also keep you from falling asleep again because of severe and persistent pain. Lack of sleep can result in different problems including fatigue, mood swings, increased stress, and more. Therefore, gout can have an adverse impact on your mental and physical health.
As gout can cause intense pain, it might interfere with walking, performing your household chores, and other everyday activities. In addition to this, different signs of gout can also lead to joint damage and thereby resulting in permanent disability.
Tophi
Chronic gout can lead to the formation of tophi, which are the deposits of urate crystals under the skin. Tophi can occur in different parts of your body including hands, wrists, feet, ankles, and ears. Tophi, which look like hard bumps under your skin, are generally not painful. But you might feel pain during gout attacks, as these tophi will become swollen and inflamed.
If the gout is left untreated, these tophi can grow and they will erode the surrounding tissues and skin of the affected joints. This can damage your joints and lead to their destruction.
Joint Deformity
Gout can lead to permanent joint deformity thereby largely affecting the quality of your life. If gout is not treated, then acute attacks can occur more often. These attacks will result in inflammation along with the growth of tophi and can cause tissue damage in your joints.
In addition to this, arthritis caused by this condition can result in cartilage loss and bone erosion, thereby leading to the complete destruction of your joints.
Kidney Stones
The urate crystals that can cause gout might also form kidney stones. High concentrations of urate crystals present in your kidneys can interfere with their normal functioning.
If gout is left untreated, it can lead to severe health issues. Therefore, it is important for you to consult your doctor when you experience gout symptoms, as it can help you to prevent this condition from getting worse.
