Gout is generally known to affect areas of the foot, such as the big toe, but it actually affects any joint, including the wrist. This inflammatory arthritis flares up at times, then goes into remission for extended periods. Having wrist gout is rare, but it is manageable and treatable.
Since wrist gout is not as common as big toe gout, it is slightly more challenging to diagnose. It usually only affects one wrist, but both can also be affected.
Symptoms of wrist or hand gout can include swelling, redness, tenderness, or hotness lasting one to four weeks. People who suffer from gout can experience restricted movement, excruciating pain, fever, headache, tophi (chunks of uric acid), or kidney stones.
Healthcare providers should be seen if wrist pain or swelling is present. Untreated gout can cause permanent joint damage and minimize its usefulness in the future.
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid within the body. Generally, the body expels uric acid through urine, but for some people, it builds up and begins to crystallize in certain joints.
Some contraindications and risk factors associated with gout include:
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Eating red meat, sweetened drinks, seafood, or other foods high in purines
- Family history
- Kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension
- Cancer medications
- Skin diseases such as psoriasis
- Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis
- Wrist trauma
- Chronic stress
Men under the age of 65 are at four times higher risk of suffering from gout than females, and that rate increases as they age.
Gout treatment is limited, but overall, the objective is to manage pain during flare-ups, prevent future attacks, and prevent tophi/kidney stones from forming within the body. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are administered, and/or a medicine called Colcrys, and corticosteroids.
While wrist gout is rare, those who experience it can feel excruciating pain. Most people can live normal and productive lives if diagnosed early.
If you experience wrist pain, or a sensation that will not go away, contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Call us at 248-596-0412 for further questions.
Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/