Gout in an "unexpected" place
Normally, when mentioning gout, everyone thinks of pain in places like the big toe joint, ankle, knee joint... however, gout causes swelling and pain in the spine, which perhaps few people know.
Patient D.C.K (32 years old, Hanoi) came to the hospital for examination with a dull, continuous lower back pain for 1 month, the pain increased at night. At the time of examination, the first metatarsal joint of the patient's left foot showed signs of mild swelling and heat, and was painful when pressed. Through medical history, the patient said that he had been diagnosed with gout 1 year ago.
At the hospital, Mr. K's test results showed that his uric acid level was higher than the allowable threshold. A CT scan of the spine revealed urate crystal deposits on the left edge of the sacrum, and a CT scan of both feet showed urate crystal deposits on the third phalanx of the left foot. From these important data, the doctor diagnosed the patient with gout of the spine - a rare gout in clinical practice.
MSc. Dr. Trinh Thi Nga - Orthopedic Specialist, Medlatec General Hospital said: "With in-depth diagnostic methods, the patient's gout location was accurately detected. This is a young male patient with gout, due to early metabolic disorders, gout is increasingly common in young people. Research shows that about 25% of gout patients develop the disease under the age of 40, instead of over 40 as before".
After 5 days of active treatment with medication according to the doctor's regimen, the patient's pain was completely gone, but he still needed to follow a nutritional regimen specifically for gout patients.
Spinal Gout: Easily Overlooked, Misdiagnosed
Once known as "the disease of the rich", gout is no longer rare today, the incidence of the disease is increasing and getting younger.
Gout is a common form of arthritis, patients often suffer from sudden and severe pain in the joints of the big toe, ankle, knee, even wrist, fingers, elbow. Patients often see the joints swollen, hot, red during the pain, accompanied by limited mobility.
MSc. Dr. Trinh Thi Nga said: Gout in the spine is a relatively rare disease in clinical practice. The disease is easily overlooked and misdiagnosed with other bone and joint diseases such as disc herniation, ankylosing spondylitis...
Several studies have shown that more than 60% of patients with spinal gout have a history of peripheral gout - this is important data to help doctors accurately diagnose patients with spinal gout.
The most effective way to prevent gout is to pay attention to your diet and daily activities, specifically as follows:
Weight control: Weight affects disease progression, a reasonable weight helps reduce uric acid levels and reduce pressure on the joints.
Reasonable diet: Limiting foods high in purines (red meat, animal organs, seafood...) is a top priority; limiting the use of alcohol, beer, and carbonated drinks; supplementing enough water and fiber as well as protein sources from beans, eggs, and milk.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintain reasonable exercise, suitable for your physical condition.
In addition, the doctor emphasized that if a family member has gout, people need to pay attention to regular health check-ups to screen, proactively prevent and control the disease.
