Gout vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Both cause pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints that can limit your range of motion. However, the cause differs. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's own immune system attacks the joints, whereas the pain of gout is due to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood.

1. Can Rheumatoid Arthritis be mistaken for gout?
2. What does gout look like in hands?
3. What can be mistaken for gout?
4. Should I see a rheumatologist for gout?
5. What is the root cause of gout?
6. What is the fastest way to get rid of gout?
7. How do you flush uric acid out of your body?
8. What is the best thing to drink if you have gout?
9. Is gout a sign of poor health?
10. Can you massage gout away?
11. How do I know if I have cellulitis or gout?
12. How do you check for gout?

Can Rheumatoid Arthritis be mistaken for gout?

Both types affect the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout can be confused with each another when gout causes nodules to form in the hands or feet as they can in RA. People can have both RA and gout, although the causes and treatments of each are different.

What does gout look like in hands?

Gout leads to attacks, or flares, that appear suddenly with hot, red, or swollen joints. The joints can be so painful that they hurt to move. Sometimes the joints look like they are infected, even though they are not. Gout crystals can form white bumps called “tophi,” which are often visible under the skin (Figure 2).

What can be mistaken for gout?

6 Diseases That Can Mimic Gout (and Delay Your Diagnosis)

• Pseudogout. It sounds like gout, it looks like gout, but it's not gout. ...
• Infected joint (septic arthritis) ...
• Bacterial skin infection (cellulitis) ...
• Stress fracture. ...
• Rheumatoid arthritis. ...
• Psoriatic arthritis. ...
• 2 comments.

Should I see a rheumatologist for gout?

Gout Treatment: Rheumatologist

These arthritis specialists are the real experts when it comes to gout. Unfortunately, most gout patients will never see a rheumatologist during their gout treatment.

What is the root cause of gout?

Gout is caused initially by an excess of uric acid in the blood, or hyperuricemia. Uric acid is produced in the body during the breakdown of purines – chemical compounds that are found in high amounts in certain foods such as meat, poultry, and seafood.

What is the fastest way to get rid of gout?

What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Gout?

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These can quickly relieve the pain and swelling of an acute gout episode. ...
2. Corticosteroids: These drugs can be taken by mouth or injected into an inflamed joint to quickly relieve the pain and swelling of an acute attack.

How do you flush uric acid out of your body?

In this article, learn about eight natural ways to lower uric acid levels.

1. Limit purine-rich foods. ...
2. Eat more low-purine foods. ...
3. Avoid drugs that raise uric acid levels. ...
4. Maintain a healthy body weight. ...
5. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. ...
6. Drink coffee. ...
7. Try a vitamin C supplement. ...
8. Eat cherries.

What is the best thing to drink if you have gout?

There are also many things you can add to your diet to help avoid or manage gout. Drink plenty of water, milk and tart cherry juice. Drinking coffee seems to help as well. Be sure to talk with your doctor before making any dietary changes.

Is gout a sign of poor health?

Health problem linked to gout go beyond the joints, however. Excess uric acid can also damage kidneys, blood vessels, and other organs, and gout raises the risk for several disorders. These include kidney and cardiovascular disease, as well as diabetes, depression and sleep apnea.

Can you massage gout away?

WebMD explains that while gout cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs are one method, but in between gout attacks it can be helpful to receive massage therapy.

How do I know if I have cellulitis or gout?

Whereas gout is often abrupt in onset, cellulitis tends to progress from an initial pustule, abscess, ulcer, or patch and gradually expands. Cellulitis may appear similar to gout if the initial location is a joint. However, erythema and swelling may enlarge beyond the joint area and affect multiple digits.

How do you check for gout?

Tests to help diagnose gout may include:

1. Joint fluid test. Your doctor may use a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint. ...
2. Blood test. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to measure the levels of uric acid in your blood. ...
3. X-ray imaging. ...
4. Ultrasound. ...
5. Dual-energy computerized tomography (DECT).