Arthritis gout is one of the most painful forms of rheumatic arthritis that one can experience in the aging process. It is characterized by small crystal-like formations that appear in the joints. The knees and feet are most commonly affected, especially the big toe. These crystal formations are produced by excess levels of uric acid. Common symptoms of this condition include swelling, redness, heat, pain, and stiffness. It is believed that gout accounts for about five percent of all cases of arthritis. Gout will usually begin in the big toe for most people, but it can spread to other joints if it is not treated properly. There are also various types and stages of gout that one needs to be aware of.
Types Of Arthritis Gout
There are two basic types of arthritis gout. The first one is called primary hyperuricemia. In this case, the excess buildup of uric acid is due to hereditary abnormalities in the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, they are not able to rid the body of uric acid. This, in turn, is what causes gout to develop in the joints.
The second type of arthritis gout is called secondary hyperuricemia. This type of gout is the most common among most sufferers. This form of the disease is caused by some external factor, such as reaction to medication, alcohol consumption, or diet. Foods that are high in purines are usually responsible for this type of gout. The purines are broken down into uric acid which, as we know, causes the condition. Consuming excess quantities of these types of foods will produce more uric acid than the kidneys can get rid of.
Stages Of Gout
The first stage of gout is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia. In this stage, a person’s uric acid levels will be elevated, but they will have no other symptoms. In this stage, there is usually no treatment required, but the potential to develop an attack of gout is present.
Acute gout is the next stage of this condition. It is also referred to as gouty arthritis. This stage is what most people think of when they think of gout. The uric acid crystals have formed around the joint at this point. This is when the pain, swelling, and redness appears. Usually these attacks will last anywhere from one to two weeks before they subside. Often, they will go away on their own with no treatment, but eventually they will come back. Each time they do come back, there is the potential for them to increase in severity.
The most severe stage of arthritis gout is called chronic tophaceous gout. This condition usually develops after about ten years of repeated attacks. By this time, there is permanent damage to the affected joints. There may even be damage to the kidneys during this stage. One will usually only progress to this stage if they have left their gout go untreated for many years.