Arthritis poses a constant threat to joints for many people, with one in five individuals in America struggling with some form of the condition. It’s the leading cause of work‑related disability.
Arthritis is especially common in people with chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, who often experience inflammation in their joints and connective tissues.
Found often in the wrists, hands, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and lower back, there are over 100 types of arthritis you can find yourself dealing with. Conditions like gout affect many people, but because it shares symptoms with other types of arthritis, preventing and treating gout requires a better understanding of the condition.
Dr. Shawn Veiseh and his experienced medical staff in Beverly Hills, California, help patients seeking to manage gout and other forms of arthritis.
Joint inflammation can develop from many causes, such as the overall wear-and-tear common in osteoarthritis and the attack on healthy tissue that happens with rheumatoid arthritis. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in your bloodstream, forming sharp, crystalline particles that collect in your joints.
Excess amounts of uric acid often result from dietary habits, primarily consuming foods high in purines, a common compound found in bacon, venison, turkey, organ meats, cod, trout, sardines, and scallops, as well as food and drink with high amounts of high-fructose corn syrup. Alcohol also has high amounts of purine, especially beer.
The crystals that lodge in your joints due to gout cause joint pain, which is common in most forms of arthritis, but gout often presents as sharp, painful discomfort in your big toe.
This often occurs at night and, if left untreated, can affect other joints over time, such as your ankles and knees. If you deal with osteoarthritis, it can start in your fingers.
Gout pain usually peaks within 24 hours and then gradually improves, but flare‑ups often return if the condition isn’t treated. Over time, untreated gout can also lead to tophi—firm lumps of uric acid crystals that develop around joints and in soft tissues.
Dietary changes can help you avoid the pain and misery that comes with gout, including reducing the amount of purine-rich foods you consume.
Other methods of preventing this condition include eating more healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins, and staying well-hydrated. Maintaining a healthy weight also helps lower uric acid levels.
If you’re struggling with a gout attack, we offer anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We also recommend drugs to lower uric acid levels and lifestyle changes to prevent future problems with gout, including those listed above.
Gout symptoms are similar to those of other forms of arthritis. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with Dr. Veiseh today by calling our office or booking your visit online to determine if you have gout and to receive the help you need.
