Do Gout Symptoms and Symptoms of Arthritis Always Go Hand in Hand?

Though they have similar symptoms, it is not inevitable that a person with arthritis will develop gout, though one of the symptoms of gout is arthritic-like pain.The word "arthritis" actually describes a group of well-defined symptoms, usually disturbing the joints, all having associated indicators. These can include pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints and neighboring regions. The term "arthritis" literally means "inflammation of the joint".

What should a person know about arthritis symptoms?

Arthritis can assault many or just one joint gradually over time or suddenly; depending on the specific kind that one might have. Warning signs may come and go or be constant, but usually the results of arthritis are chronic. They will more likely than not remain with you for a long time, possibly for the remainder of your time on earth. A finding of arthritis does not equal being confined to a life of discomfort, however. There are many different treatments for arthritis symptoms. These tend not only to slow the progress of arthritis but to better your range of motion. Your personal physician can fill you in on your options.

But aren't gout symptoms just like arthritis symptoms?

Gout is a form of arthritis. As previously mentioned, just because you have arthritis, you are not automatically condemned to be a sufferer of gout. Though the pain from both is similar in terms of symptoms, and both have common treatments as well, they are not necessarily one in the same. The initial step in the care of gout is to identify the affliction through a blood test. These will ordinarily show an unusually steep level of uric acid. Your personal physician will more likely than not also ask you about other characteristics having to do with your health. Questions about topics such as the use of medications, smoking, consumption of alcohol and diet can be expected. A physician may even need to aspirate your joint to check for uric acid crystals.

Regardless of the cause of the symptoms, the use of cold or hot packs, a heated pool, a whirlpool, or even sitting in warm baths may encourage the recession of acute episodes. There are many numbers of treatments that can decrease the discomfort resulting from gout symptoms and symptoms of arthritis, encourage your range of motion, and possibly even discourage the progression of the disease. Maintaining a healthy outlook helps in the curative course of action.