Gouty Arthritis and Back Pain

The back pain you are feeling now could be due to a lot of things. Plenty of contributing factors can cause this condition. Among the many causes of back pain is gouty arthritis, a form of arthritis that is characterized by deposits of needle-like uric acid crystals. These acid crystals are produced by the breakdown of body waste known as nitrogenous substances. They are slightly soluble and are present in both your blood and urine. The common causes of gouty arthritis are genetics, hyperparathyroidism, polycythemia vera, chronic renal failure, and a decrease in uric excretion.

Gouty arthritis often affects your metabolic flow and leads to abnormal purine results of your metabolism. It also results in the secretion of urates in your blood. The symptoms of gouty arthritis are often observed in actions that have to do with your metabolism. These symptoms include joint pain, swelling, malaise, inflammation, tachycardia, and increase in skin temperature, among others. In severe cases, tophi (lumps of crystallised uric acid) can affect the outer ear, ankles, and toes.

If you approach your doctor with any of these symptoms, he will most likely request a series of tests to determine if you do indeed suffer from gouty arthritis. These tests include hematology and blood chemistry. If these tests reveal an increase in ESR or uric acid, then an analysis of synovial fluid will be conducted. If the synovial test indicates a formation of sodium urates crystals, then your doctor will begin planning your gouty arthritis management. In some cases, the doctor may begin the management process even before the tests are administered.

As soon as a diet plan, exercise regimen, monitoring schedule, and lab studies are properly set up, your doctor will then proceed with interventions and additional assessments to prevent further complications. Management of gouty arthritis often involves an alkalin-ash and low-purine diet as well as an increase in fluid intake. You may be asked to avoid kidney beans, anchovies, liver, sardines, shellfish, and alcohol. Medication may also be prescribed to reduce the pain.

Once you begin on your management plan, your doctor will also begin assessing your integumentary system. Additional interventions such as skin care may also be taken at this point. At the same time, your joints will be constantly monitored to prevent or minimize edema, pain, and limited range of motion. Since the condition can cause damage in your cartilages, doctors often recommend home care in the form of regular foot and skin care, avoidance of fasting, stress reduction, limited alcohol intake, and regular monitoring of symptoms.

Understandably, gouty arthritis can lead to back pain because it affects primarily your joints, cartilages, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. You may need to learn some gentle stretching exercises to minimize the pain associated with the condition. Simple strategies like using armrests to lower your body into a chair can also help in reducing the back pain that results from gouty arthritis. You should also avoid bending or twisting when you raise your body from the chair. You may consult your doctor about exercise routines that help alleviate back pain from gouty arthritis.