Is Gout an Autoimmune Disease?
At Arthritis and Osteoporosis Treatment Center, it’s our goal to prevent arthritis pain and symptoms at the earliest stages. We want to help you prevent disability, so you can continue enjoying all the activities you love. Our team is here to answer the question: is gout an autoimmune disease?
Know the signs, symptoms, and best treatment options so you can catch this condition in its earliest stages and create a personalized treatment plan.
What is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood that crystallizes, forming needle-shaped crystals in the joints. Our bodies cannot get rid of these crystals properly, which results in painful flare-ups and symptoms.
The condition typically affects one joint in the body at a time, often the big toe. Flare-ups occur suddenly and without warning and can significantly impact your daily activities, ability to work, and quality of life.
Is Gout an Autoimmune Disease?
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, gout is not an autoimmune disease. While the two conditions often resemble each other, gout is an inflammatory disorder.
Symptoms of Gout
Gout can be hard to diagnose, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms begin. Here are some of the main signs to look out for:
Severe Joint Pain
Gout flare-ups commonly result in sudden, intense joint pain. This pain and tenderness can occur in any joint of the body, but it often occurs in the big toe.
Redness and Inflammation
Flare-ups can also result in swelling, redness, and inflammation. The joints that gout affects may become warm during flare-ups.
Stiffness
Gout can result in a limited range of movement due to pain and stiffness. As the condition worsens, you may begin to lose the ability to move your affected joints normally without the proper treatment.
Joint Deformities
Patients suffering from chronic gout may develop deformities, most commonly in the feet or toes, over time.
Best Treatment Options for Gout
While gout flare-ups result in a variety of painful symptoms, there are ways to take control of your condition. Here are some of the top treatment options recommended by our rheumatologists in Jacksonville, FL.
Exercise
Aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling are all great ways to manage the levels of uric acid in your body and prevent flare-ups. These activities can also help to eliminate stress, which is a common gout trigger.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important to drink water and stay hydrated to manage your symptoms and keep flare-ups at bay. This helps your body flush out uric acid and can reduce the severity and frequency of your joint pain.
Ice or Heat Therapy
Ice and heat therapy are effective ways to minimize painful gout symptoms during a flare-up. Apply ice or heat to the affected joint to reduce inflammation and shorten the duration of the attack.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Rheumatologists in Jacksonville, FL
Understanding the causes and symptoms of gout is the first step toward personalized treatment to stop your joint pain. If you’re suffering from painful gout flare-ups, schedule an appointment with Dr. Meera Oza and Dr. Adam Bagley, our rheumatologists in Jacksonville, FL for personalized care to keep your joints healthy and pain-free.