Wrist pain can prevent you from doing everyday activities and make it difficult to find a comfortable position. Many people experience wrist pain at some point in their lives, but it can be a chronic problem for some. There are many potential causes of wrist pain, but one of the lesser-known causes is gout.
How Gout Can Cause Wrist Pain
Gout occurs when there is an over production of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a body waste produced when purines are broken down. Purines are found in many foods, including seafood, red meat, and alcohol. When too much uric acid accumulates in the body, it can form crystals in the joints, which leads to inflammation and pain.
Gout most commonly affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints, including the wrist. Gout symptoms typically come on suddenly and include severe pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected joint. The wrist may also feel warm to the touch and look red and swollen. Other symptoms include fever and chills.
When gout causes wrist pain, you may not be able to use the affected joint normally. The pain may make it difficult to move the wrist or even hold a cup or brush your teeth. In severe cases, gout can cause deformity of the joint. Gout pain usually lasts for a few days and goes away on its own, but it can recur. With proper treatment, you can reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
Your doctor can diagnose gout by doing a physical examination and taking a medical history. They may also order a blood test or diagnostic imaging to rule out other conditions. Your doctor may recommend getting an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound. You may also need a joint fluid test to confirm the diagnosis.
If you have gout, it’s important to follow your treatment plan and see your doctor for regular check-ups. You can manage wrist pain from gout and live a normal, active life with proper treatment.
Treatment For Wrist Pain From Gout
If you think you might have gout, it’s essential to see a doctor to get started on treatment. Gout treatment typically includes medication to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes include avoiding alcohol and foods high in purines, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress. With treatment, most people with gout can manage their symptoms and live relatively normal lives.
Your treatment will focus on reducing pain and inflammation and preventing future attacks. Medications commonly used to treat gout include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and colchicine. If you have severe gout or don’t respond to other treatments, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower the level of uric acid in your blood.
When To See A Doctor
If you have wrist pain, you should see a doctor to rule out other conditions and determine the cause. If gout is the cause of your wrist pain, treatment can help reduce the pain and inflammation and prevent future attacks. Contact your provider if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Severe wrist pain
- Wrist pain that interferes with daily activities
- Wrist pain that comes on suddenly
- Wrist pain that gets worse over time
- Redness, swelling, or warmth in the affected joint
- Fever or chills
- Difficulty moving the affected joint
Relief For Wrist Pain In Bismarck, ND
Wrist pain can have many different causes, but gout is one possible cause. Gout is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints. When it affects the wrist, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. If you’re experiencing wrist pain, talk to your doctor about the possibility that gout may be the cause. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the condition doesn’t have to interfere with your life.
If you’re looking for relief from wrist pain because of gout in Bismarck, look no further than The Bone & Joint Center. We have a team of highly experienced specialists like Dr. Ackerman, Dr. Cote, Dr. Norrie, and Dr. Pierce. They can give you the comprehensive wrist care you deserve. If you want to know more about our services, you may call our friendly staff at (800) 424-2663. If you want to book a consultation, you may use our secure online appointment request form.
We also have convenient locations in Dickinson, North Dakota, Beulah, Hazen, Garrison, Linton, Hettinger, Turtle Lake, Minot, Williston, and Wishek. We look forward to serving you!
