Musculoskeletal
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Acute Gout Arthritis Background
Symptoms and signs
Acute gout is a condition of acute inflammatory arthritis — a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. It affects 5% of Hong Kong population and the hospitalization rate is significantly higher among elderly patient.
Under-excretion of uric acid by the kidney is the primary cause of hyperuricemia in about 90% of cases, while overproduction is the cause in less than 10%. However, only 10% hyperuricemia patients develop gouty arthritis.
Acute gout is induced by excess uric acid in blood leading to crystal formation in joints. It could happen in uric acid overproduction, excess consumption of high-purine foods like meat and fish, consumption of alcohol, medications such as diuretics, under-excretion of uric acid, and renal failure.
The risk factors for acute gout include overweight, high blood pressure, purine rich diet (like meat and fish), consumption of alcohol, and medications such as diuretics.
During a gout attack: - Sudden burning pain and stiffness in a joint (affects the big toe in 50% of cases, may also happen in ankle and knee) - Redness Pain and swelling are worst at the beginning of gout attack. Most occur during night time
