Gouty arthritis occurs as uric acid accumulates as crystals in our joints, which causes pain and even debilitating symptoms. The largest toe is the most prevalent area that gout affects, but gout flares and attacks can impact any other body part. Take gout in hands, for instance. Here, we will discuss the symptoms, reasons and treatment options that concern gout in our fingers.
Symptoms Of Gouty Arthritis In The Finger
Gout symptoms are quite consistent irrespective of the area in which the flare-up or attack occurs. Common finger gouty arthritis symptoms include swollen, hot, red and severely tender hands. Tophi may emerge in many different hand joints in a person with longstanding gout and poor gout treatment. Tophi are big, hardened uric acid build-up in and about the joints as well as can emerge anywhere. Besides the fingers, gouty arthritis can impact the wrist.
What Causes Finger Gout
A condition called hyperuricemia contributes to gout. Too much uric acid possibly occurs in the human body either if the body does not excrete enough uric acid or due to a diet high in purine content.
Some are genetically more likely to develop greater uric acid levels than others usually because they do not have enough enzymes to break down purines into the acid. Other reasons for too much uric acid creation include some forms of cancer and blood disorder. It has also been shown that chemotherapy agents impact purine production. The body of a person can make a greater amount of uric acid, whereas someone else may be incapable of properly eliminating it through the kidneys. Hyperuricemia may occur due to kidney disorder types.
Prevention
Dietary and lifestyle changes can contribute to keeping gout from affecting the hands, whether or not you are on prescription medication. Weight loss, regular exercise, regular medication intake, avoiding food items high in purines, and increasing hydration can aid in reducing your possibility of recurrent gout attacks.
Treatment
Untreated gouty arthritis can turn from the odd swelling in a joint into a more debilitating and disruptive disease, which causes pain-inducing flare-ups often. There are modifications and medications to not only make gout attacks less severe but also prevent future gout attacks. You may consume corticosteroids, colchicine and NSAIDs to reduce the swelling and pain in your hand joints if you experience an acute gout attack.
