MR-guided radiotherapy
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Gout and pseudogout
A condition that usually affects men between the age of 30 and 60 usually caused by an unhealthy diet and lifestyle
About gout and pseudogaut
Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, caused by crystal deposits in your joint. Pseudogout is caused by a different type of crystal deposit. Both can cause severe, sudden joint pain especially at the base of your big toe. Pain usually comes on very quickly. Future damage to joints can be avoided with treatment.
Need to know
Symptoms may include:
- severe, sudden pain in any joint but usually the big toe, fingers, wrists, elbows or knees
- red, hot and/or swollen skin over the affected joint
- the affected joint feeling very tender to the touch
Your consultant will speak to you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination of your joints. They may also suggest some, or all, of the following tests to confirm diagnosis:
- blood tests
- an X-ray of the affected joint
- a synovial fluid exam.
This involve taking fluid samples from a joint through a needle and examining them under a microscope for urate crystals.
Possible treatments include:
- urate lowering drugs
- to reduce the uric acid levels in your blood
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Our Gout and pseudogout locations
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience