Elbow gout

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Gout is a type of arthritis with severe sudden pain, swelling and redness in the affected joint. Gout usually affects the big toe, knee and the ankle and sometimes it can also affect the fingers, elbow and other joints.

Gout is due to the buildup of uric acid crystals. When there is increased uric acid crystals accumulation inside the elbow joint, it can cause severe pain in the elbow and men are prone to this condition than in women. Attacks of gout can heal within one or two weeks even without treatment.

Gout develops when there is excess buildup of uric acid crystals in the spaces of the joint. Uric acid is a metabolic waste product of protein. A small amount of uric acid circulates in the blood and filtered out from the kidney and passes out through the urine. Sometimes, when there is an over production of uric acid and there is less excretion of uric acid from kidney, it will circulate in the blood and form crystals in the space of the joint.

Risk factors that cause flare up of gout include consumption of alcohol, injury to the joint of the elbow, long time use of diuretics, obesity and dehydration.

Elbow gout
Severe pain on the affected joint

Symptoms

  • Severe pain on the affected joint
  • It usually happens suddenly at night or early in the morning.
  • The pain is severe that the person feels the elbow is dislocated.
  • Difficulty moving the affected area
  • Unable to write or lift or perform tasks using the affected hand
  • Fever with chills
  • The affected area is red and swollen
  • Severe elbow gout can spread to the fingers and joints of the wrist.

Treatment

  • Apply cold and hot compress on the affected area in order to help minimize the pain and swelling.
  • Drink plenty of water every day in order to help flush out uric acid from the body which eventually helps lessen pain.
  • Consume berries regularly which help lessen uric acid accumulation in the body and also lessen pain.
  • Try to reduce weight in order to help minimize recurrent attacks of gout.
  • Consume foods that are low in purines, red meat and foods containing high amounts of protein and also minimize excessive amounts of beans and lentils in the diet.
  • Perform exercises regularly and quit drinking alcohol
  • Take over-the-counter pain and inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen in order to help lessen pain and inflammation.
  • Take a hot shower can help relax the joint areas and discomfort caused by the inflammation.
  • Increase the intake of Vitamin C supplement in order to help lessen the uric acid concentration.
  • Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda in 8 oz. of water. Mix well until baking soda is completely dissolved and drink the solution at least several times every day with a total of 3 teaspoons every day.

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