Gout in the Hand & Wrist
What is gout?
Gout is a common and painful condition that affects tendons and joints. Gout crystals are made of uric acid (urate) which is a normal waste product of our bodies breaking down protein. Normally, the body removes urate through the kidneys into the urine. However this does not happen fast enough in people with gout. This causes uric acid levels to build up and the crystals to form. Gout is strongly hereditary.
The urate crystals deposit in synovium and the cartilage lining of joints. Synovium is the tissue that creates the synovial fluid that lubricates joints and the tendons sheaths (when tendons pass through tunnels, they have a sheath of synovial fluid).
Gout crystals can also deposit in the cartilage lining of joints. The crystals are very sharp and when they deposit in the soft cartilage, the cartilage breaks down quickly, causing arthritis.
How is gout different in the hand and wrist?
Acute gout
Gout in the feet or knees typically causes severe pain, swelling and redness known as acute gout.
Subacute gout
In the hand and wrist, gout is often less severe and often goes undiagnosed. It may be precipitated by a minor injury, surgery, overuse or other triggers for gout such as dehydration, alcohol, and specific foods.
Over years, gout that is untreated can cause severe arthritis. It is a completely preventable form of arthritis with safe longterm medication.
What hand and wrist conditions are caused by gout?
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Flexor tendinitis - swelling and stiffness of one or more fingers.
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Chronic arthritis - wrist, hand and finger