Gouty fingers: symptoms and treatment for joint pain

Gout is a common joint disease in industrialized countries. It is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. This leads to severe pain in the joints.

In Germany, around 1 to 2 percent of people suffer from gout. Men are affected five times more often than women.

Uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints. This causes sudden and severe pain. The fingers in particular are often affected.

This can severely impair everyday life. Gout progresses in different stages. It often begins without symptoms and can become chronic.

A comprehensive plan is needed to treat gout in the fingers. Medication, dietary changes and exercise are important. Early recognition and targeted measures can help to reduce the symptoms.

What is gout and how does it develop in the fingers?

Gout is a painful joint disease caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals. In Germany, around 1 to 2 percent of adults suffer from gout. Men are affected more often than women.

Formation of uric acid crystals

In gout, uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints. This leads to inflammation. The normal value for uric acid in the blood is less than 6 mg/dl for women and less than 7 mg/dl for men.

If the value exceeds these limits, it is referred to as hyperuricemia.

Risks for finger joint gout

Genetic predisposition and lifestyle are important for the development of gout in the fingers. Obesity, alcohol consumption and a purine-rich diet increase the risk. Reducing weight to a BMI below 25 can lower uric acid levels.

Biochemical processes in gout

An attack of gout often develops within a few hours. The deposition of uric acid crystals triggers an inflammatory reaction. This leads to severe pain.

In chronic gout, the joints remain permanently inflamed. They can suffer damage.

• Uric acid is mainly excreted via the kidneys
• Insufficient excretion leads to hyperuricemia
• Primary hyperuricemia is the main cause of gout attacks

To avoid a gout attack, it is important to control uric acid levels. An adequate fluid intake of around two liters of water a day supports the excretion of uric acid.

Treatment options for gout in the fingers

There are various ways to treat gout in the fingers. The aim is to reduce pain and stop inflammation. The aim is also to reduce the uric acid level in the blood. The German Society for Rheumatology recommends undergoing uric acid-lowering therapy for at least 5 years.

Drug therapy approaches

Medication is important in the treatment of gout. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin help with acute attacks. They often improve the symptoms quickly.

Allopurinol is recommended for high uric acid levels in the blood. This medication helps to reduce deposits of uric acid crystals.

Naturopathic methods

Naturopathy can also help. Cool or hot packs can relieve pain. It is important not to wear cool compresses for too long.

Drinking enough is also important. Drinking more than 2 liters of fluid a day keeps uric acid levels low.

Change of diet as therapy

A healthy diet is important. You should not get more than 30% of your calories from fat. Too much alcohol, especially beer, should be avoided.

If you are overweight, weight reduction helps to lower uric acid levels. Doctors recommend losing weight if your BMI is over 25.

Exercise therapy and physiotherapy

Exercise therapy and physiotherapy are very important. They help to alleviate symptoms and prevent joint damage. This is particularly important as gout attacks often occur in the fingers.

Although the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb is often affected, other fingers can also be affected. Regular exercise therapy improves joint function and reduces pain.