Key takeaways
- Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can affect any joint in the body. Although it occurs most commonly in the big toe, it can also affect the hands and fingers.
- Symptoms of gout in the hands may develop rapidly or slowly. People may experience pain, swelling, warmth, and discoloration around the joints in their hands.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers may help relieve pain in the hands due to gout. Doctors may also recommend dietary changes or prescribe medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Gout in the hands and fingers occurs due to an excess of uric acid in the body. This buildup causes the formation of crystals, or tophi, in and around the joints, causing pain and swelling.
This article explains how gout can affect the hands, the symptoms of this condition, and how doctors typically diagnose and treat it.
Gout is a
Gout may cause the following symptoms around the affected joint:
If uric acid levels remain high over an extended period, people may develop white, chalky deposits around the joints and tendons. These deposits, called tophi, appear as visible lumps under the skin and can result in permanent damage and changes in joint shape.
A typical gout attack, or flare, involves symptoms that usually last up to two weeks. The symptoms can develop rapidly and suddenly, and they may slowly resolve on their own without treatment.
Key terms explained: Uric acid
Uric acid is a waste product that usually forms when the body breaks down substances known as purines. These substances are present in many foods, such as liver, shellfish, and alcohol.
Gout
Gout occurs when there is too much uric acid in the body, which doctors
The kidneys are usually able to filter uric acid from the blood and eliminate it in the urine. However, if someone produces too much uric acid or if the kidneys are not functioning correctly, uric acid can accumulate in the blood and form uric acid crystals.
Factors that may increase a person’s risk of gout
A gout diagnosis
- a physical examination of the hands and other joints
- family history and symptom assessment
- blood tests to check urate levels
- fluid samples from the joints
- imaging scans, such as a dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) scan
Key terms explained: DECT scan
A dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) scan is a noninvasive, specialized X-ray that uses two different energy levels to identify and visualize uric acid crystals.
Unlike a standard CT scan, a DECT scan can distinguish these crystals from other tissues and color-code them in the resulting images, helping doctors diagnose gout, monitor treatment progress, and check for damage due to the condition.
It may be easiest to diagnose gout during a flare, when the affected joint is painful, swollen, and hot.
Gout symptoms are not specific and may also occur due to other inflammatory conditions. Therefore, a rheumatologist, who specializes in gout and other forms of arthritis, may be necessary to make a diagnosis.
Other possible causes of gout symptoms
Other conditions may also cause pain and swelling in the hands. For example, people may confuse gout with calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, or pseudogout. While both are forms of arthritis, they result from the buildup of different crystals in the joints.
Other types of arthritis may also cause similar symptoms in the hands, including:
In some cases, different types of arthritis may occur together. According to the Arthritis Foundation, it is possible to have more than one type of arthritis, and gout can occur alongside PsA, OA, or RA.
Gout treatment may involve a combination of medications and self-management strategies. The aim of treatment is usually to improve inflammation and symptoms during a flare-up.
Medications that a healthcare professional may prescribe to manage a person’s gout
- NSAIDs
- systemic steroids
- colchicine (Colcrys)
- interleukin-1 antagonists
- xanthine oxidase inhibitors
- uricosuric drugs, which increase urate clearance
People may also need to change or stop any current medications that are associated with hyperuricemia, such as diuretics.
Self-management strategies for gout
Self-management strategies, such as changes to the diet and lifestyle, can also help reduce the severity and frequency of flares. Helpful strategies may include:
- eating a gout-friendly diet
- getting regular exercise
- achieving or maintaining a moderate weight
- resting or applying ice to affected joints during flare-ups
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Anyone who suspects they may have gout should contact a doctor for a diagnosis. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms will also likely require treatment. Gout and other forms of arthritis that go untreated can cause joint damage.
Gout symptoms in the hands can cause difficulty carrying out daily tasks. With treatment, people will be able to minimize disruption to their lives and may be able to increase the time between flare-ups.
People with a gout diagnosis will typically have regular appointments with a healthcare professional. During these, it is helpful to mention any worsening symptoms, new symptoms, or concerns about other conditions that may occur alongside gout.
Gout is a common form of arthritis that causes severe pain and swelling in one or more joints. It occurs due to high levels of uric acid in the blood, which form needle-like crystals in joints and soft tissue.
Although gout usually begins in the big toe, it can target other joints, such as the fingers and hands. Without treatment, gout in the hands may affect a person’s daily functioning.
Gout flare-ups can be painful, but people can manage the condition with medications and lifestyle changes. If someone suspects gout or has worsening gout symptoms, it is advisable to contact a doctor.