Health
Rising Arthritis Alert: How to Tell If Your Joint Pain Needs Attention

Arthritis is a common ailment, but one type that is gaining attention due to its increasing prevalence is gout. Historically associated with figures like Benjamin Franklin, gout is experiencing a resurgence, with recent studies indicating a notable rise in cases globally.
A study published in *Scientific Reports* in July highlighted a global increase in disability-associated life years (DALYs) related to gout from 1990 to 2019. The United States, in particular, has seen the highest increase in cases among both men and women.
Another study, published in *Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism* in March, examined the prevalence and incidence of gout over the same period. The study anticipates that “with the development of society, the disease burden of gout will become increasingly severe.”
Given these findings, understanding the symptoms of gout is crucial. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms often appear suddenly at night, with intense joint pain frequently occurring in the big toe, though other joints like the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers can also be affected. The pain is most severe four to 12 hours after it begins.
Gout is also marked by lingering discomfort, inflammation, redness, and limited range of motion. If you experience sudden, intense joint pain, it’s advised to contact your healthcare provider, as untreated gout can worsen and cause joint damage. A fever or hot and inflamed joint could indicate an infection, necessitating immediate medical attention.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that gout occurs when “high levels of urate build up in your body over a long period of time,” leading to the formation of “needle-shaped crystals in and around the joint,” causing inflammation and arthritis. Eric Ascher, DO, a family medicine physician at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, noted, “These crystals do not belong in the joints and when there is something found where it doesn’t belong, especially in tight spaces, the area gets inflamed and painful.”
Gout is more prevalent in women, usually developing in middle age after menopause. The *Scientific Reports* study suggests that the rise in gout cases may be linked to the increase in conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and renal diseases, which are known precursors to gout. A family history of the condition, as well as certain medications such as diuretics, low-dose aspirin, niacin, and cyclosporine, can also elevate your risk.
If diagnosed with gout, treatment options may include medications to reduce inflammation and pain, or drugs aimed at lowering uric acid levels to prevent complications. The choice of treatment often depends on the frequency and intensity of gout attacks.
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