Can a rheumatologist help with gout?
Rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a physician with special training in treating diseases of the joints and connective tissues. A rheumatologist can provide more specialized care if your gout is especially severe or involves joint damage.
Is gout related to rheumatology?
Both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout are inflammatory diseases that cause pain and swelling in your joints. Symptoms of gout may appear similar to those of RA, particularly in the later stages of gout. However, these two diseases — and their causes and treatments — are distinct.
What is standard treatment for gout?
The drugs of first choice for acute gouty arthritis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), corticosteroids, and colchicine. Treatment with xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOI) or uricosuric drugs is indicated for patients with a recurrent or severe course; the target uric acid value is <6 mg/dL.
How does a rheumatologist diagnose gout?
Initial gout attacks often occur at night. A correct diagnosis may depend on finding the characteristic crystals by extracting fluid from an affected joint and examining that fluid under a microscope to determine whether monosodium urate crystals are present.
When should you see a rheumatologist for gout?
If you have more persistent gout or if you have other medical conditions that might make using certain medications more difficult such as heart disease or kidney disease, it may be important for you to see a rheumatologist to help get your uric acid level down and prevent future complications of gout and hyperuricemia.
Is gout an autoimmune condition?
Gout is also an inflammatory disorder, but it is not an autoimmune condition. Instead, a person develops gout because of high levels of uric acid in their blood. Uric acid is present in foods and drinks. Taking certain medications can also increase the amount of uric acid in the body.
Does gout show up on xray?
An x-ray of the joint may show the deposition of uric acid crystals. However, x-rays can be normal even when gout is present. Experts estimate that chronic gout must be present for 5 to 10 years before joint changes can be seen on an x-ray. Most gout cases are diagnosed with a joint fluid analysis.
Can you see gout on xray?
Plain film radiography may be used to evaluate gout; however, radiographic imaging findings generally do not appear until after at least 1 year of uncontrolled disease. The classic radiographic finding of gout late in disease is that of punched-out or rat-bite erosions with overhanging edges and sclerotic margins.