ARTHRITIS/GOUT

Arthritis is characterized by severe pain, redness and tenderness in joints. Pain and inflammation occur when too much uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints. Symptoms of gout include severe pain, redness and swelling in joints, often the big toe. Attacks can come suddenly, often at night. During an acute attack, anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain and shorten the length of the attack.
Our specialist doctors manage patients with chronic gout using fundamentals of integrative and personalized medicine methods including, behavioral modification such as diet, exercise and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of attacks and ultimately reversal of the disorder.

What is Arthritis ?

Arthritis is very common but is not well understood. Actually, “arthritis” is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. People of all ages, sexes and races can and do have arthritis. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.

Common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms may come and go. They can be mild, moderate or severe. They may stay about the same for years but can progress or get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to do daily activities and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs.

Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes. These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-ray. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin as well as the joints.

What is Gout ?

Gout is a general term for a variety of conditions caused by a buildup of uric acid. This buildup usually affects your feet.

If you have gout, you will probably feel swelling and pain in the joints of your foot, particularly your big toe. Sudden and intense pain, or gout attacks, can make it feel like your foot is on fire. Some people have too much uric acid in their blood, but no symptoms. This is called asymptomatic gout.

For acute gout, symptoms come on quickly from the buildup of uric acid crystals in your joint and last for 3 to 10 days.

You will have intense pain and swelling, and your joint may feel warm. Between gout attacks you will not have any symptoms.
If you do not treat gout, it can become chronic. Hard lumps called tophi can eventually develop in your joints and the skin and soft tissue surrounding them. These deposits can permanently damage your joints.