Four Less Common Types of Arthritis

Gout, which is a complex form of arthritis, often affects the joint of the big toe. It can affect anyone, but men are more likely to get it than perimenopause women. After menopause, women have an increased susceptibility. The characteristic symptom is the sudden and severe attack of pain, redness and tenderness in the joints. These attacks classically occur at night without warning. High levels of uric acid in your blood lead to the accumulation of urate crystals around your joints. This causes inflammation and the intense pain of a gout attack. Normally, uric acid is dissolved in your blood and excreted by your kidneys. Increased uric acid levels can result from excessive alcohol use, a family history of gout, certain medical conditions such as untreated hypertension, gender, and being between the age of 40 to 50 years old. Complications include recurrent episodes, advanced gout with the development of nodules below the skin called tophi, and the development of kidney stones. Treatment includes the use of NSAIDs, colchicine and corticosteroids. Specific medications are prescribed to block uric acid production or improve uric acid removal, depending upon the individual case. Lifestyle remedies include drinking about eight to 16 cups of fluid daily, avoiding alcohol, eating a moderate amount of protein from low-fat sources and limiting the daily intake of meat, fish and poultry to four to six ounces.