Excess uric acid in the body can cause hyperuricemia.Hyperuricemia doesn't usually need to be treated, and there may be no obvious symptoms.It can develop into gout or gout-like symptoms, which is how many people first realize they have a problem.The classic symptom is intense pain around a joint in the middle of the night.It is usually easy to treat, even though it may be painful.
Step 1: Paying attention to joint pain is important.
The first stage of gout can be sudden and intense.This will affect other joints.
Step 2: Test for warmth, redness, and pain at the joint.
It's possible that gout will cause the site to feel warm to the touch.When you touch the area, the pain will get worse.
Step 3: You should try to move the joint.
Flex your knee, ankle, or other affected joint if the pain is not as bad.It can be difficult to move a joint because of gout.
Step 4: Take note of the time when the attack occurs.
Gout attacks can happen in the middle of the night.You may wake up with pain a few hours after you fall asleep.
Step 5: The attack may have been caused by something.
Acute gout can be caused by things like being stressed, consuming alcohol or drugs, or having another illness.If you have a case of severe joint pain, it could be due to hyperuricemia.
Step 6: The pain will go away if you watch.
Unlike other types of pain gout may be fleeting.If no treatment is given, many attacks will go away in a few days.
Step 7: If you have symptoms of gout or hyperuricemia, you should see your doctor.
Gout or gout-like symptoms can be very painful, but can usually be treated.If you have sudden joint pain, you should see your doctor.
Step 8: Have your doctor check your uric acid levels.
Hyperuricemia and gout are caused by high levels of uric acid in the body.These levels will be tested if your doctor finds your symptoms suspicious.The test usually involves a blood draw.Your doctor will check your uric acid level with a blood sample.
Step 9: Check for uric acid.
It is possible to test the concentration of uric acid in your body.Some fluid will be drawn out when a needle is inserted into the joint.If there are crystals in the fluid, your doctor will examine it under a microscope.Your doctor may order additional tests if you have hyperuricemia or gout even if there are no crystals.
Step 10: Ask your doctor to rule out other issues.
Gout symptoms can be similar to other conditions.These other conditions need to be ruled out in order to make a definitive hyperuricemia/gout diagnosis.Your doctor can test a fluid sample from your problem joint to see if the problem is caused by a joint infection or not.
Step 11: Follow your doctor's instructions.
It is not necessary to treat hyperuricemia if it develops into gout.To reduce the chances of this happening, your doctor may advise you to make lifestyle changes.Red meat, alcohol, dried beans, and corn syrup may contribute to hyperuricemia, so your doctor may advise you to limit these things.You may be told to exercise.Good options include activities that involve aerobics, flexibility, or strength training without being strenuous, including swimming, tai chi, walking, dancing, and weight lifting.
Step 12: Gout can be treated.
If you are diagnosed with gout, your doctor will usually suggest medications that will give you relief from attacks and help prevent future ones.Ask about any potential side effects if you follow their instructions.Ibuprofen and naproxen are some of the common options.Another type of pain relief is Colchicine.The medicine may have unpleasant side effects.There are corticosteroids.These are less often prescribed.