Have you recently been feeling a lot of pain in your joints at night, especially in and around your big toe? If so, it could be a sign of gout. Below, our rheumatology specialists in Valparaiso, Indiana are going to explain what gout is, why it makes your joints hurt, and what you can do to manage your condition.
What is gout, and how does it affect your joints?
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden and intense pain and swelling in the joints, and it happens when there is too much uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a byproduct our body makes when it breaks down purines — organic compounds found in certain foods and drinks like red meat, certain types of fish, alcoholic drinks, and sweetened beverages.
When our body makes too much uric acid, it can form needle-like crystals in and around the joints. This triggers a strong inflammatory response and causes intense discomfort, redness, and swelling in the affected areas. Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints like the ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows.
If you suddenly feel a lot of pain in your joints, especially when you are trying to sleep, you may want to schedule a visit to a rheumatology specialist in Valparaiso, Indiana to get to the root of the issue.
The reason gout flares up during the night
Research shows that people are more likely to have gout attacks at night — about 2.4 times more often. This is because our body temperature naturally lowers when we are trying to sleep. This cooler temperature makes it easier for those uric acid crystals to form in and around our joints and cause the intense pain and discomfort associated with gout.
How long can you expect a gout flare-up to last?
A gout flare-up can last for a few days to a couple of weeks. The pain tends to be the most intense during the first day or so, but it can linger longer. Sometimes, the symptoms will just go away on their own, but you should remember that gout is a recurring condition.
You could go months — or even years — without any joint pain, but if you don’t get the right treatment during these intervals, the condition might get worse over time. Your neglect here could lead to permanent joint damage and even kidney stones.
If you think gout is causing your joint pain, you should see a rheumatology specialist in Valparaiso, Indiana. Diagnosing the condition early and getting treatment can help you manage it and prevent long-term complications.
Factors that increase your risks of gout
Gout is more common in men, especially between the ages of 40 and 50, but it can really affect anyone. Women are generally less likely to develop gout until after they go through menopause, which is when their bodies start to have more uric acid. These are other main factors that can increase someone’s risk of grout:
- A diet with high purine levels
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- A family history of gout
Treatment options for managing gout
Gout is a condition you can manage very easily if you do the right things. Usually, it involves a combination of medications and some lifestyle changes. You might need anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and swelling during a flare-up, as well as some other medications to keep your body from making too much uric acid and prevent future flare-ups.
You can also keep gout away with some lifestyle changes. Change your diet to cut back on foods and drinks that are high in purines, stay hydrated throughout the day, and maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise and no alcohol can also help lower your gout risks.
If you need more tips and advice on managing gout, you can always consult with a rheumatology specialist in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Looking for an Affordable Rheumatology Specialist in Valparaiso, Indiana?
Are you looking for a qualified rheumatology specialist in Valparaiso, Indiana who can help you find relief from gout and manage your symptoms more effectively? If so, our rheumatologists at 219 Health Network are here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start managing your condition better.