What is gout and how is it treated?

Gout is a painful form of arthritis. When your body has extra uric acid, sharp crystals may form in the big toe or other joints, causing episodes of swelling and pain called gout attacks. Gout is treatable with medications and changes in diet and lifestyle.

What causes gout in fingers?

Gout is caused by a chemical called uric acid forming small crystals in and around the joints. These crystals also often build up under the skin and form small white or yellow lumps known as tophi. Tophi are usually painless, but they can form in awkward places, such as at the ends of your fingers and around your toes.

Can gout be in fingers?

Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers.

What causes gout in your fingers?

Gout is caused by a build-up of a substance called uric acid in the blood. If you produce too much uric acid or your kidneys don’t filter enough out, it can build up and cause tiny sharp crystals to form in and around joints. These crystals can cause the joint to become inflamed (red and swollen) and painful.

What does gout look like in fingers?

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).

How does gout start?

What causes finger joint pain?

Injuries include sprain, strain, dislocation, or fracture. A doctor may need to reset a fractured bone. Inflammation due to arthritis or infections can also lead to finger joint pain. A person’s symptoms should improve once they treat the underlying condition.

Can you get gout in your fingers?