Redness, sudden pain, and warmth- these are some common symptoms of gout. Most commonly, you can notice these symptoms in your big toe and some other parts. Never overlook these conditions, as they indicate symptoms of gout. But, how is gout diagnosed?
You must not try to diagnose the condition on your own. Several other disorders can cause symptoms similar to gout. Consult your physician and let him know about your symptoms. With different medical tests, he will try to diagnose arthritis.
Factors causing gout symptoms
- Your family history (more here)
- Diuretics and some other medications
- Obesity– Higher gout risks with BMI more than 30 kg/m2
- Consumption of purine-rich foods like red meats and seafood
- Regular alcohol consumption
- Chronic health issues, like diabetes, congestive heart failure, kidney disorder, and insulin resistance
How is gout diagnosed?
1. Synovial fluid test
Joints of your body have a special liquid known as synovial fluid. A synovial fluid test is effective in identifying the presence of urate crystals in your joint fluid. The accumulation of these crystals refers to gout. The result of the test is highly accurate, and you can start the treatment.
It takes a few minutes to conduct the synovial fluid test. Before starting the test, professionals will apply the anesthesia to numb the part. They will inject a needle into your affected joint to take a little amount of fluid as a sample.
2. Blood test to check uric acid
A blood test is another way to diagnose gout, as it helps in checking the uric acid level in your blood. A high uric acid level can cause arthritis like gout. The normal level of uric acid in the blood ranges from 3.5 to 7.2 mg per deciliter. While you have some gout symptoms, doctors will ask you to check the uric acid level in your bloodstream. It must be lower than 6.0 mg/dl.
However, the blood test alone cannot ensure that you have gout. Some patients with a higher uric acid level do not have gout. On the contrary, those with a lower uric acid level have gout symptoms. Physicians will ask you to do other tests with the blood test to confirm the gout problems.
3. Urine tests to know the uric acid level
A urine test is another way of checking the uric acid level in your body. The normal level of uric acid in your urine is to be 250-750 mg.
4. Joint x-rays
An X-ray of your affected joint will ensure that the cause of the joint pain is not injury. Patients with chronic gout conditions need an X-ray. The image will clearly show the presence of any potential damage to your joints due to gout.
5. Ultrasound technology
An ultrasound system relies on sound waves for the creation of clear images of your joints and muscles. Your physician will ask you to do ultrasonography to find the presence of urate crystals in your joints.
6. Dual-energy CT scan
It is one of the innovative ways of diagnosing your gout symptoms. The DECT scanning process uses X-rays of 2 different types to snap images of the internal parts of your body. Moreover, the DECT scan helps in finding urate crystals and other tests. While other tests do not give you an accurate result, you need the DECT scan.
Conclusion
You have now understood- How is gout diagnosed? You may contact rheumatologists, as they are known for treating arthritis. You must follow their instructions for diagnosing and treating gout. When your rheumatologist has confirmed gout, you have to take steps to alleviate the symptoms with medications and a proper diet.
Suggested articles:
– How Do You Get Gout? – 10 Causes & Risk Factors
– Is Gout Hereditary? – Everything You Need to Know
– What Does Gout Feel Like? – Get The Full Insights
– 15 Triggers of Gout – What Causes Gout?
– How to Get Rid of Gout – Short & Long-Term Remedies
– What is Gout? – Symptoms, Stages and Treatment of Gout
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