Rheumatoid Arthritis or Gout, Are You Being Treated for the Right One?

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout can be miss diagnosed. Often people who have Rheumatoid Arthritis actually have Gout and it goes unnoticed or untreated. To be tested for Gout, your doctor will have a urine analysis taken. Your doctor will look for high levels of uric acid in your urine. Other test he/she may withdraw fluid from the affected joint. Blood test may also be performed. Many people who are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis and are being treated for it actually have Guot.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis: The cause for Rheumatoid Arthritis is unknown although; some suspect it may be linked to fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Researchers are still trying to find out what causes RA. There is no clear link stating fungi, viruses, or bacteria are the actual causes of RA.

Causes of Gout: associated with a condition known as hyperuricemia, this occurs when the blood contains large amounts of uric acid over a long period. When uric acid levels are high, the kidneys are unable to dispose the uric acid efficiently. Raised levels of uric acid are the cause of Gout. Things that raise the level of uric acid are: Foods high in purines. Those foods include red meat, offal foods, and shellfish. People who consume high amounts of alcohol like beer or wine can increase levels of uric acid. Obesity may also play a factor in increase levels of uric acid. High blood pressure is also linked to high levels of uric acid.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis: First off when the body tissues are inflamed, the disease is active. The disease is inactive when the tissue inflammation subsides. Stiffness, muscle, and joint aches are more common symptoms. One may also experience lack of appetite, fatigue, and low fever. Muscle and joint stiffness are more common in the morning and after inactivity. Joints will often become red, painful, tender, and swollen.

Symptoms of Gout: Occurring suddenly, Gout usually happens at night without warning. A person suffering from Gout will experience intense pain. Gout usually affects the joint in the big toe and it also occurs in the ankles, knees, hands, feet, and wrist. Affected joints become swollen, tender, and red. This pain can last from five to ten days. Chronic inflammation can lead to loss of cartilage, erosion, and weakness of the bones, muscles, which then leads to joint deformity.

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: There is no known cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis. To reduce pain some people suffering from RA will take aspirin and cortisone. Methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine may prevent progressive joint destruction, although, they are not anti-inflammatory agents. Destructiveness of RA varies from patient to patient. Discussing your RA with your doctor will help him or her to better understand your condition and how to approach it.

Treatment for Gout: There is no known cure for Gout although, with medications, diet, and a healthy lifestyle Gout can be relieved and episodes can be eliminated. It is always best for someone who suffers from Gout to drink 10 to 12 eight-ounce glasses of non-alcoholic beverages daily.

There are some people who are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis and they are being treated for RA. Some of these people actually have Gout and never know it. This can lead to more health issues when unnoticed and untreated. If you have RA make sure your doctor has ruled out Gout. If you are experiencing any symptoms of Gout, you may want to have your doctor look further into this.