Gout can potentially affect the hands as well as the feet.
Gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis, can affect any joint in the body, and it's not uncommon for it to manifest in the hands. This condition, characterised by intense pain, swelling, heat, and discoloration in the affected joint, can cause significant discomfort and impact daily life.
The primary cause of gout in the hands is the buildup of uric acid crystals in the hand joints. Uric acid is a waste product that the body produces when it breaks down purines, substances present in meat and alcohol. Certain individuals have an increased risk of developing gout, including males, people with obesity, those taking diuretics, people who drink alcohol, individuals who eat foods high in purines, and those who eat or drink foods high in fructose.
When uric acid levels are too high, sharp needle-like crystals form in the joints and surrounding tissues, triggering inflammation and pain typical of gout. In chronic cases, hard lumps called tophi, formed by uric acid crystal deposits under the skin, may appear.
Common symptoms of gout in the hands include sudden severe pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the finger and wrist joints. These symptoms often develop rapidly, sometimes worsening within 24 hours, and the affected joints may be very sensitive even to light touch, such as a bedsheet brushing them.
It's important to note that hyperuricemia, or too much uric acid in the body, does not always cause gout, and if a person does not experience gout symptoms, they may not require treatment. Gout typically affects the joints, particularly those toward the ends of the limbs, and in some cases, it may initially affect inflamed finger nodes (Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes).
Treatment for gout in the hands typically involves anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs to reduce pain and swelling during acute attacks, alongside lifestyle and dietary changes to lower uric acid levels and prevent recurrences. If you suspect you may have gout in your hands, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gout. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603 [2] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Gout. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/gout [3] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2021). Gout. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/gout [4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Gout. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16699-gout
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