Tophi gout in hand
Chronic symptoms such as joint deformity and
limitation of motion in affected joints may occur if several attacks of gout occur
each year. Uric acid deposits called tophi develop in
cartilage tissue, tendons, and soft tissues.
Gout is a
disease involving uric acid deposits in the joints. The disorder causes pain,
especially in the joints of the feet and legs. Chronic gout involves repeated
episodes of joint pain.
Gout is caused
by an overproduction of uric acid or a reduced ability of the kidney to get rid
of uric acid. The exact cause is unknown. It is more common in males,
postmenopausal women, and people with high blood pressure. Heavy alcohol use,
diabetes, obesity, sickle cell anemia, and kidney disease also increase the
risk.
The condition
may also develop in people who take drugs that interfere with uric acid
excretion.
Joint pain
frequently starts during the night and is often described as throbbing,
crushing, or excruciating. The affected joints show signs of warmth, redness,
and tenderness. The pain tends to go away within several days. Chronic gout
attacks, however, occur more often.
If several
attacks of gout occur each year, it can lead to joint deformity and limited
motion in joints. Uric acid deposits called tophi
develop in cartilage tissue, tendons, and soft tissues. These tophi usually develop only after a patient has suffered
from the disease for many years. Deposits also can occur in the kidneys,
leading to chronic kidney failure.
Chronic gouty arthritis is treated with drugs that help reduce uric acid
levels. Medicines used to treat gout include:
- Allopurinol
(the most commonly used)
- Probenecid
- Sulfinpyrazone
Patients should drink plenty of water or other fluids to reduce the risk of
kidney complications.
Colchicine
can be added to prevent further acute attacks. This drug can be stopped when
uric acid levels are stable (usually after 3 months), but it can also be
continued at low doses to help prevent further attacks.
Drugs that lower
the serum uric acid concentration may prevent the development of chronic gouty
arthritis in susceptible people.