Gout is caused by an overabundance of the body’s uric acid. When the body’s urate levels are too high, tiny urate crystals develop and settle in numerous organs and tissues, especially the joints. In addition, crystal formation in the joints can cause recurring joint inflammation (arthritis).
Gout is a debilitating condition that worsens with time. A buildup of hard uric acid lumps in the tissues, particularly surrounding the joints (especially those with chronic gout), can lead to joint deterioration, impaired renal function, and kidney stones.
Gout arthritis is often characterized by a rapid development of joint inflammation that is exceedingly painful. White blood cells engulf uric acid crystals when the immune system responds, releasing inflammatory chemical messengers, resulting in pain, heat, and redness in the joint tissues; the inflammation can be severe. In more advanced stages of gout, the bouts of gouty arthritis tend to occur in more joints and more frequently. The big toe joint is most usually affected by gout arthritis. Finger joints and larger joints like the knee and hip might also be affected.
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The symptoms:
One of the most common symptoms of an acute gout attack of arthritis is in the little joint at the base of the big toe. Fingers, wrists, elbows, and knees are more typically affected joints. Acute gout attacks are characterized by a quick onset of pain, followed by warming, swelling, reddish staining, and extreme discomfort. Tenderness can be so extreme that even a blanket contacting the skin over the affected joint might be unpleasant for some people.
Patients may get a fever during an acute gout attack. With or without medication, these aches and pains normally subside within a few hours or days. However, over time, most people with gout will experience a recurrence of arthritis.
Chronic gout causes nodular deposits of crystals of uric acid in various soft tissue locations. Hard nodules on the fingers, elbows, ears, and big toe are the most usual places to find them, but they can show up anywhere in the human body.
The Benefits of Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy assists the patient in exercising regularly to keep joints moving. To begin with, gout arthritis physiotherapy aims to reduce acute inflammation in the joints. It’s designed to keep the symptoms of gouty arthritis at bay while also decreasing the size of existing crystals in the body’s tissues.
When a physiotherapist develops a personalized treatment plan for you, they will consider not only your current physical condition but also your medical history. The stretching and strengthening activities you practice will strengthen your joints and muscles.
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Conclusion:
If you have gouty arthritis or suspect that you will, make an appointment with a physiotherapist right away. They can help! Contact us.
