Gout feels like your joints are full of needles!

Gout is a painful condition the occurs when the bodily waste product, uric acid, is deposited as needle-like crystals in the joints and/or soft tissues. These uric acid crystals cause inflammatory arthritis, with symptoms including intermittent swelling, redness, heat, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It particularly affects men between the ages of 40 and 50, and is rare in children, young adults, and pre-menopausal women. People who have had an organ transplant are more susceptible to gout, as well.

In many people, gout initially affects the joint of the big toe, but many other joints and surrounding areas can be affected, including insteps, ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Chalky deposits of uric acid can appear as lumps under the skin that surrounds the joints and covers the rim of the ear. Uric acid crystals can also collect in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.

Arthritis Center of Nebraska specializes in the treatment and management of gout!

Arthritits Center of Nebraska is fully staffed and equipped to diagnose and treat the painful disorder known as gout. We can create a treatment and lifestyle plan that is customized for you unique situation. Having a certified laboratory on-site means you can usually receive test results the same day as your appointment, for greater peace of mind.