Gout In Hands

Can You Get Gout In Your Hands?

Gout is a painful and inflammatory condition that can affect the hands and fingers.

It occurs when there is an excess buildup of uric acid in the body, which causes crystals to form and accumulate in joints or soft tissues.

These crystals bore into your joints causing intense pain.

If left untreated, this condition can lead to further complications such as joint damage and deformity.

Gout in hands is not as common as in the feet or other joints, but it can be just as debilitating.

Uric Acid Causes

The cause of uric acid crystallization in the hand is due to a high purine diet. Purines are found in foods that are high in protein and some alcohol. Purines cause uric acid to build up in the body.

High levels of this substance can lead to the formation and accumulation of crystals, which can result in inflammation and pain in affected areas such as the hands and fingers.

Symptoms Of Gout In Hand

Symptoms of gout in the hands and fingers may include swelling, stiffness, redness, tenderness, intense throbbing or aching pain, and restricted movement.

These symptoms can make it difficult to perform normal daily activities like gripping objects or writing.

Causes Of Gout In Hand

Factors that may increase your risk of developing gout in the hands and fingers include age, sex, family history, obesity, diet high in purines or meat products, alcohol consumption, and kidney disease.

Gout In Hands Treatment

There are several strategies for managing gout in the hand.

These may include making dietary modifications like reducing intake of foods high in uric acid or purines (e.g., red meat), losing weight if necessary, avoiding alcoholic beverages, taking medications prescribed by your doctor (e.g., allopurinol or probenecid), and undergoing physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength in the affected area.

With close monitoring and appropriate treatment, you can effectively manage your gout symptoms and prevent further progression of this condition.

Foods That Are Good For Gout In Hands

Foods that are good for gout in the hands and fingers include low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources like fish, nuts and seeds, and herbs and spices.

These foods can help improve blood flow to the hands and reduce inflammation associated with gout.

Additionally, some specific nutrients like vitamin C have been shown to support healthy uric acid levels in the body.

To best manage your symptoms and prevent complications from gout in the hand, be sure to speak with your doctor about incorporating these foods into your diet.

Tart Cherry

Tart cherries have been found to be good for gout in human clinical trials and may be especially effective in reducing inflammation and pain.

One such clinical trial conducted by researchers at Boston University found that drinking tart cherry juice daily for four weeks helped reduce gout flares by 35% among participants.

Turmeric

Turmeric has also been found to help gout because a compound called curcumin. Curcumin can help gout by reducing inflammation, enhancing uric acid elimination from the body, and preventing the formation of inflammatory molecules.

In clinical trials, curcumin has been shown to be as effective as conventional medications for reducing the pain and inflammation associated with gout.

One such clinical trial conducted by researchers at Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation for Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders found that curcumin was more effective than both diclofenac sodium (a common pain reliever) and prednisone (a steroid medication) in relieving gout symptoms.

Other Foods Good For Gout

Other foods that have anti-inflammatory effects and can help manage gout symptoms include olive oil, fish like salmon, green tea, lemon, ginger, flaxseed, celery seed extract, blueberries and rosemary.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy body weight through regular exercise and eating a balanced diet can be instrumental in preventing gout flare-ups.

Conclusion

So if you are suffering from gout in your hands or fingers, it is important to work with your doctor to develop an effective treatment plan that may include dietary modifications, medications, and physical therapy.

Additionally, incorporating gout foods like tart cherries or turmeric into your diet can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with gout.

Although there isn’t a 100% gout cure, with the right care, you can manage your symptoms and prevent progression of this very painful condition.