Don't Ignore! Recognize the Often Overlooked Symptoms of Gout, Let's Check the Facts!

Kapanlagi.com - Gout, a medical condition that can affect anyone regardless of age. Surprisingly, even those in their 20s can fall into the trap of this disease. Ironically, many of them are unaware that they are suffering from gout until the symptoms become quite severe.

This disease is typically marked by sharp pain around the feet and knees. However, don't just focus on that pain! There are various other symptoms to watch out for to prevent your condition from worsening.

Let's take a look at a complete explanation of the gout symptoms that need to be observed so you can maintain your health better, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Thursday (27/2/2025).

1. What Is Uric Acid?

Uric acid, more commonly known as gout arthritis, is a painful joint inflammation problem caused by the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals around the joints.

This phenomenon occurs when the levels of uric acid in the blood spike high, a condition known as hyperuricemia.

The pain and swelling in the joints become unavoidable, often triggered by the consumption of foods and drinks rich in purines, such as lamb, bacon, red meat, and various seafood like shrimp, sardines, and lobster.

However, it's not just diet that plays a role; genetic factors and complications from other diseases, such as diabetes and kidney stones, can also trigger the troublesome appearance of uric acid.

2. Pain in the Big Toe and Certain Joints

Uric acid, an enemy that often strikes with sharp pain in the big toe, can be caused by various factors ranging from unhealthy eating habits, genetic diseases, to metabolic disorders.

The uric acid crystals that settle in the big toe, which has a lower temperature and is far from the heart, can trigger swelling that is often unnoticed.

However, don’t be mistaken, this pain and swelling can also affect the wrist, knee, foot, and elbow, resembling the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to ensure a proper diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.

3. Fever and Chills

The early symptoms of gout are not only painful but can also cause the body to experience fever and chills.

This occurs due to the release of cytokine proteins from the accumulated uric acid crystals, which triggers a reaction from the immune system and causes joint inflammation.

Fever and chills are the body's way of fighting off infection, while also raising the body temperature to speed up the healing process.

However, when these cytokines are released, the immune system's strength decreases, triggering painful inflammation in our joints.

4. Presence of Swollen Bumps

The accumulated uric acid crystals can form bumps known as tophi, which usually appear on the big toe or other joints.

Although these bumps can shrink or even disappear with proper treatment, if left untreated, these tophi have the potential to develop into more serious problems and cause concerning complications.

5. Complaints About the Kidneys

Uric acid not only disrupts the joints but can also pose a serious threat to your kidneys, with the risk of kidney stones forming due to crystal buildup.

These crystals can flow to the kidneys and cause bigger problems.

However, don't worry! Family Partners is here with effective solutions through ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) and PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) services to address kidney stones caused by uric acid, tailored to the severity level. Make sure your kidney health is maintained!

6. How to Overcome Uric Acid

To effectively combat uric acid, in addition to regular medication, adopting a healthy lifestyle is key.

At home, you can take several simple yet effective steps, such as drinking plenty of mineral water, applying ice compresses to painful joints, and resting with your legs elevated.

Don't forget to avoid high-purine foods and consume low-fat milk or yogurt as good alternatives.

However, remember that the use of medications such as allopurinol, colchicine, febuxostat, lesinurad, and probenecid should be based on a doctor's recommendation, as each patient has different needs.

Therefore, consulting with a doctor is very important before starting treatment to ensure your approach is on target.

7. What are the main causes of gout?

Gout, which often becomes a nightmare for many people, is mainly caused by a diet rich in purines, along with genetic influences and complications from other diseases such as diabetes and kidney stones.

By understanding these factors, we can be more vigilant and maintain our health to avoid this painful problem.

8. How to manage gout at home?

Managing gout at home can be done in a simple yet effective way!

Just by increasing your water intake to stay hydrated, applying ice to the painful joints to reduce inflammation, and giving your feet a rest by elevating them.

Don't forget to avoid foods high in purines that can worsen the condition, and enjoy a glass of low-fat milk or yogurt that is rich in benefits.

With these steps, you can relieve gout symptoms more comfortably!

(kpl/rao)