About Arthritis
As the nation’s #1 cause of disability, arthritis affects nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children. Over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions damage the joints and often other organs.
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Distinguishing Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout
Inquiry: I'm a 50-year-old man who has recently received a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, I've been experiencing joint symptoms for a while now, starting around two years ago with a severe episode of pain and swelling in my left toe. Since then, I've had recurring episodes of discomfort and swelling in my feet, knees, and wrists. While these incidents might indicate early signs of rheumatoid arthritis, I'm also concerned about the possibility of gout. Can you provide insight into whether I might be dealing with arthritis or gout?
Response: It appears that you may be dealing with gout, which is an inflammatory condition resulting from the deposition of sodium urate crystals in certain joints due to excess uric acid in the bloodstream. The root causes of this surplus uric acid can be genetic factors, kidney issues, certain medications (like diuretics), or excessive consumption of alcohol and purine-rich foods.
It's not uncommon for physicians to misdiagnose gout as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when they aren't aware of your prior health concerns. In advanced stages, gout can mimic RA, leading to pain and inflammation in multiple joints. However, the underlying causes and treatments for these conditions are entirely distinct. RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, while gout typically begins with intense pain and swelling in the big toe, often triggered by illness or injury. Subsequent attacks may affect other joints, primarily those in the foot and knee, before becoming chronic. This chronic phase, which can impact multiple joints, typically takes a few years to develop.
The good news is that gout is well-understood and treatable. Medications are available to stabilize uric acid levels and alleviate acute pain and inflammation. Proper treatment can help control gout and prevent future flare-ups. Adhering to medication regimens, even during symptom-free periods, is crucial for effective management. Maintaining a healthy weight and moderating alcohol intake can also contribute to gout control.
If you haven't already, consider discussing the possibility of analyzing a joint fluid sample for urate crystals with your healthcare provider during your next appointment. Alternatively, if the prescribed RA medication doesn't appear to be helping, scheduling an earlier visit is advisable. Promptly identifying whether you have rheumatoid arthritis or gout is essential, as early intervention can lead to quicker relief.
Effects of Arthritis
Cause of Disability
In the United States, 23% of all adults, or more than 54 million people, have arthritis. It is a leading cause of work disability, with annual costs for medical care and lost earnings of $303.5 billion.
Workforce Effects
Sixty percent of US adults with arthritis are of working age (18 to 64 years). Arthritis can limit the type of work they are able to do or keep them from working at all.
Global Impact
In fact, 8 million working-age adults report that their ability to work is limited because of their arthritis. For example, they may have a hard time climbing stairs or walking from a parking deck to their workplace.
Promoting Interventions That Reduce Arthritis Pain
American Arthritis Foundation recognizes several proven approaches to reduce arthritis symptoms:
Be active. Physical activity—such as walking, bicycling, and swimming—decreases arthritis pain and improves function, mood, and quality of life. Adults with arthritis should move more and sit less throughout the day. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week is recommended.
Protect your joints. People can help prevent osteoarthritis by avoiding activities that are more likely to cause joint injuries.
Talk with a doctor. Recommendations from health care providers can motivate people to be physically active and join a self-management education program. Should your arthritis be interfering with your activities of daily living you may be a candidate to receive many new treatments, and learn how to reverse the arthritis condition.
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Arthritis Advice
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