High uric acid levels in the blood can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints. This problem most often affects the big toe, knee, and ankle, but in some cases gout can also affect the finger joints.

What Exactly Is Gout Pain?

Uric acid is a waste product formed from the body’s normal metabolic processes. Under healthy conditions, the kidneys filter this substance and remove it through urine. In some people, this waste removal process does not run properly, so uric acid is not excreted efficiently and begins to build up in the blood.

A person is considered to have high uric acid levels when blood test results show levels above 6 mg/dL in women and above 7 mg/dL in men.

When uric acid builds up, it can form crystals inside the joints. These crystals cause inflammation and pain. Gout attacks most often occur in the joints of the lower body, such as the big toe, ankle, or knee, but they can actually affect almost any joint, including the elbow, wrist, and fingers.

Causes of Gout in the Hands

The causes of gout in the hands are essentially the same as for gout that occurs in the feet. Various factors can contribute to increased uric acid levels, including diet, genetic factors, and certain medical conditions. Some triggers that can cause gout attacks in the hand include:

Diet

Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, which are natural substances found in many foods and drinks. Consuming large amounts of high-purine foods or beverages can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Some food sources that contain purine and should be limited in gout patients include:

• Organ meats
• Canned fish such as anchovies and sardines
• Shellfish
• Tuna
• Alcoholic drinks
• Foods or drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup

Hand injuries

Injuries to the hand do not directly cause gout, but several studies suggest that trauma can set off recurrent gout attacks. In addition, high uric acid levels over time can permanently damage the joints and affect other structures in the hand, including the tendons that help move the fingers.

Genetics

Genetic factors can influence a person’s tendency to have high uric acid levels. However, not everyone with elevated uric acid levels will go on to experience a gout attack.

Other Medical Conditions

Gout pain can also appear together with several other health problems, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Kidney stones
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Congestive heart failure
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

Treating Gout Attacks in the Hand

Gout pain in the hand, for example in the wrist or finger joints, can be managed with several types of medication, including:

• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Colchicine: Oral colchicine can be prescribed to stop an acute gout attack.
• Corticosteroids: These may be given as injections or tablets to relieve pain and inflammation.

Along with medication, lifestyle changes can also help ease gout symptoms, such as:

• Following a low-purine, low-fat diet while increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
• Avoiding alcohol and drinks that contain fructose.
• Drinking enough water to help excrete uric acid in the urine.
• Resting the affected hand.
• Applying ice packs to help reduce swelling.

Gout attacks can occur from many joints, including the hand joints. If it is not treated properly, this condition can interfere with daily activities and increase the risk of lasting joint damage. If you experience pain that suggests gout, you should consult a doctor or use the consultation feature in the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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