Gout Clues: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Night Pain

If you have gout, you can more than likely relate to severe pain during the night. In many cases, gout significantly disrupts sleeping patterns. Although pain can occur during any time, uric acid is more likely to crystallize when exposed to lower temperatures. Since it is generally cooler at night, patients can wake up to the feeling of immense pain. It can be challenging to fall back asleep and in extreme cases, patients develop insomnia. In order to sleep more comfortably, try your best to manage symptoms on a daily basis.

Joint Effusion

Often the earliest sign, joint effusion is when fluid begins to form around a joint. Although noticeable, the amount of fluid is fairly small. In some cases, when infection occurs, pus is released. Doctors can study this fluid to determine the cause, as a cloudy fluid with a golden color could indicate gout. Since cloudy fluid is associated with increased white blood cells, a sample could also indicate infection. Luckily, this fluid can be drained and then effective management strategies can be implemented. Follow these strategies in order to reduce the future accumulation of joint fluid.

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