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Gout Symptoms Potentially Affecting Hands as Well

Unravel intriguing questions in our "The Short Answer" series. This time, rheumatologist Chad Deal, MD, provides insights on the topic of gout.

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Glean insights to tantalizing inquiries in our series, "The Short Answer". Here, rheumatologist...
Glean insights to tantalizing inquiries in our series, "The Short Answer". Here, rheumatologist Chad Deal, MD, addresses a question related to gout in this edition.

Gout Symptoms Potentially Affecting Hands as Well

Gout, a type of arthritis, typically afflicts joints in the lower body, such as the big toe, ankle, or knee. However, it is possible for gout attacks to occur in the hands as well.

The onset of gout in the hands is characterized by symptoms like sudden, intense joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth, stiffness, and tenderness. These symptoms can make it difficult to move or touch the affected hand joints.

Gout attacks happen in people with high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a byproduct of natural bodily processes that typically leaves the body via the kidneys. However, some individuals have an inefficient system for removing uric acid, leading to its buildup. When the uric acid level exceeds 6.8 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), it can exit the bloodstream and accumulate in joints, where it can break down into crystals within the joint space.

These crystals are responsible for the characteristic symptoms of a gout attack, which include redness, warmth, and swelling. The initial treatment for a gout attack focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, often with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, or corticosteroids.

In the long term, the goal is to prevent subsequent attacks by lowering uric acid levels in the blood and maintaining it consistently below 6 mg/dL. This can be achieved with medications such as allopurinol (Zyloprim®) or febuxostat (Uloric®).

Once a gout attack subsides, it's essential for affected individuals to continue taking uric-acid lowering medication to prevent future attacks. Anyone with more than one gout attack should consult their doctor to determine their uric acid levels and discuss the appropriate dosage for uric-acid lowering medication.

By adhering to their medication and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, individuals can minimize the frequency and severity of gout attacks. For example, diets low in purine-rich foods, such as red meat, shellfish, alcohol, and sugary beverages, can help reduce uric acid production and flare risks. Proper hydration and weight management are also crucial for maintaining low uric acid levels and reducing joint stress.

Regular monitoring and ongoing management of any underlying conditions, like kidney disease, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, are also essential in managing gout. Timely and comprehensive care can help minimize joint damage associated with gout attacks and improve patients' overall quality of life.

  1. In addition to medications, workplace-wellness programs focusing on nutrition and fitness-and-exercise can help reduce the risk of gout flare-ups by promoting diets low in purine-rich foods and proper hydration.
  2. As gout is often associated with chronic-diseases like kidney disease, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, consistent monitoring and therapies-and-treatments for these medical-conditions are crucial in managing gout and preventing damage to the joints.
  3. To complement medication, mental-health support could play a crucial role for an individual experiencing pain and discomfort from gout attacks, given its impact on quality of life and overall well-being.
  4. Skin care and self-care practices, such as applying cold compresses on affected joints, can provide relief from swelling and pain during a gout attack.
  5. CBD, a natural compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, may be an alternative or adjuvant treatment option in managing gout symptoms, though more scientific research is needed to support its effectiveness.
  6. Beyond the initial treatment, a commitment to health-and-wellness encompassing proper nutrition, fitness, mental health, and skin care can complement medical treatments and help maintain low uric acid levels, improving a person's overall well-being and preventing future gout attacks.

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