Gout Elbow Symptoms
The main symptom of gout in the elbow is pain and discomfort around the joint. Gout can be unpredictable, with no symptoms for weeks or months, then sudden, burning pain in the elbow. Symptoms of gout in the elbow include:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth to the touch
- Stiffness and limited movement
Causes of Gout in Elbow
No joint in the upper body is more prone to gout than the elbow. Gout symptoms often appear in the elbow after an earlier episode in the toe, causing painful soreness due to excess uric acid in the blood.
Normally, uric acid, a waste product from digesting some foods and drinks, passes through urine. However, it can form sharp crystals in the elbow. The immune system reacts to this, leading to hyperuricemia. An inability to process uric acid is genetic, but certain factors can make it worse. These include:
- Poor diet
- High cholesterol
- Kidney and heart disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Obesity
- Medications, including insulin and those for high blood pressure.
Injuries to the elbow can also trigger the episodes of gout.
Who is at Risk?
Gout affects about 4% of adults in the United States. It is more common in men because women usually have lower uric acid levels. However, after menopause, women’s uric acid levels increase, so they tend to develop gout at an older age than men.
Experts aren’t sure why some people produce more uric acid or have trouble processing it. However, it is often genetic. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing gout include:
- Eating a lot of high-purine foods
- Consuming foods and drinks, especially alcohol, that increase uric acid production
- Being overweight
Options for Treating Gout in the Elbow
This condition usually doesn’t require surgery. Doctors often start with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce redness, pain, and swelling. More severe cases might need a steroid shot or medication.
Medical professionals usually encourage patients to exercise regularly and follow a diet that limits foods that raise uric acid levels, such as red meat, fructose-containing drinks, alcohol, and seafood.
They suggest surgery only for long-term sufferers who develop large accumulations of gout crystals called tophi, usually on the back of the elbow. It is also the best option for those with tendon and joint damage due to chronic crystal deposits in the elbow. The surgical procedures include:
- Synovectomy (removal of the inflamed synovial lining)
- Joint fusion
- Joint replacement
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Ending Note
Although, gout is an incurable condition. However, leaving gout in the elbow without treatment can cause permanent damage to the elbow joint. Therefore, seek treatment when you feel any symptoms.
Visit our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Cusick, at Michael C. Cusick, MD. Our doctor has extensive experience in shoulder and elbow surgeries. Dial (713) 794-3599 for appointment.
