Recognize the 4 Symptoms of Gout and the Risk Factors

Gout is a type of arthritis. This condition can occur when the body produces too much uric acid, while the kidneys are unable to process and dispose of it through urine.

As a result, there is a buildup of uric acid which over time can form sharp crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms and make anyone who experiences it feels uncomfortable.

Various Symptoms of Gout

There are several symptoms of gout that you need to know, including:

1. Joint pain is unbearable

One of the symptoms of gout is joint pain that is very severe and can last up to 4-12 hours. The pain can attack the joints in any part of the body, especially the big toe, ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist and fingers.

Symptoms of gout usually occur suddenly and often appear at night.

2. Prolonged pain

When severe gout pain subsides, the affected area of ​​the body or joint will usually remain sore, numb, and uncomfortable for a few days to a few weeks.

In some cases, severe joint pain may recur for a longer duration and affect more joints.

3. Swelling

The joints affected by gout will usually look swollen, red, and feel hot or warm. Swelling sometimes also occurs in the area around the painful joint.

Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by fever and the skin around the joints looks dry, scaly, and itchy.

4. Limited body movement

If the symptoms of gout are allowed to linger without treatment, repeated inflammation can occur and risk causing damage to the joint structure. This condition can cause the joints to become stiff so that the movement of the body becomes limited.

Uric acid can also build up in the skin around the joints and cause hard lumps called tofus.

Gout Risk Factors

Previously it was mentioned that gout can occur due to high levels of uric acid in the body. There are several risk factors that can trigger an increase in uric acid levels, including:

• Men aged 30–50 years and postmenopausal women
• Consumption of too much red meat and shellfish
• Excessive consumption of sugary and alcoholic beverages
• Overweight or obesity
• Certain diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, and heart disease
• Taking certain medications, such as aspirin and medications to treat high blood pressure
• History of gout in the family

If not treated properly, gout can cause erosion and joint damage to kidney stones. Therefore, if you experience the signs or symptoms of gout as above, go to the doctor immediately to get the right treatment.