Gout is a form of arthritis that develops suddenly and affects the elbow and other joints in the body. This condition is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints. Gout usually affects men over 40 as well as post-menopausal women. Gout normally affects the knee, ankle and the great toe, but sometimes it can also affect the elbow, fingers and other joints.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOa7TLnwFXs”]Gout is caused by the deposition of uric crystals. Once there are large amounts of uric crystals present inside the elbow, it will cause severe elbow pain. Gout usually affects people above the age of 50 years old and men are more prone to develop this condition.
Causes of elbow gout
- Gout occurs when there is accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints
- Obesity
- Prolonged use of diuretics
- Dehydration
- Consumption of alcohol which is the most common reason for the development of gout
- Injury to the elbow joint
Symptoms of elbow gout
Gout has a sudden onset and causes severe pain. It is important to note that the condition usually happens at night or early in the morning. The pain is very agonizing in which the individual feels as if the elbow is dislocated. There is difficulty in sleeping due to the pain and upon waking in the morning there is difficulty moving the elbow in which the individual could not lift objects or write using the affected hand. The individual will experience intense pain on the first day along with mild fever with chills.
Once the pain is minimized for a few days, there is discomfort while moving the hands, even the touch of clothing and draught of air on the affected area causes agonizing pain and can remain for a few days or even weeks.
The affected elbow becomes red and swollen as well as spread to other joints, especially the fingers and wrist. The skin found over the elbow becomes shiny and desquamates after several days.
After the first attack of elbow gout, there is remission or recurrence after several years, but the next attack occurs within a year.
Treatment and home remedies for elbow gout
- Apply cold and hot compress in order to minimize the swelling and pain.
- Drink plenty of water on a daily basis since it helps in flushing out uric acid found in the body and also helps lessen the pain.
- The consumption of berries on a regular basis since it helps in minimizing the level of uric acid in the body and reduces the pain.
- If the individual is overweight, the individual should cut down his/her weight to help reduce the recurrence of gout attacks.
- Avoid eating red meats and foods that contain high protein as well as beans and lentils.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
- The individual should engage in exercises on a daily basis.
- The individual should take a vitamin C supplement at least 500 mg a day since this helps in preventing elbow gout by helping the body eliminate uric acid and minimize inflammation that is caused by gout.
- Omega-3 fatty acids help in minimizing the inflammation caused by gout.