Gout vs Arthritis: Connection, Comparison and Contrast
Arthritis is a condition in which pain and stiffness in one or more joints occur. Gout is one type of Arthritis which is often confused with Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA). These two have certain similarities, like swelling, pain, and inflammation, but also have many differences.
Knowing these is essential for you to tell them apart and seek apt treatment, preventive measures, or home remedies. So, continue reading this Gout vs. Arthritis comparison to understand the differences between them.
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Gout Comparison
The following table summarizes Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout differences at a glance.
Factors | Rheumatoid Arthritis | Gout |
---|---|---|
Definition | It is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder where the immune system attacks healthy cells, resulting in pain and swelling | It is an inflammatory disease but not an autoimmune condition. It occurs due to build-up of uric acid, which causes pain and inflammation |
Affects | All body parts, such as ankles, fingers, hands, toes, shoulders, knees, and elbows | It usually affects lower body parts like ankles and knees |
Targets | Pain in multiple areas | Pain in a single spot or joint |
Location | Pain in both sides of the body | Pain on one side |
Gender Prevalence | Women | Men |
Symptoms | Difficulty in mobility and changes in the appearance of affected joints like fingers and wrists, redness, warmth, and swelling | Swelling joints with abnormal bone formation, redness, and pain |
Highest pain intensity | In cold temperatures and after waking up in the morning | Anytime and occurs suddenly |
Cold vs. Warm Compress | Symptoms worsen with a cold compress | Pain and inflammation worsens with a warm compress |
Pain progression | Pain remains intermittent (not continuous) | Progresses if left untreated |
What is the difference between causes of Gout and Arthritis
Despite both being types of Arthritis, the causes of Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis are different. Gout is caused by excessive uric acid build-up in the body. On the other hand, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system does not work properly and starts attacking healthy body tissues.
Gout vs Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
Most of the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout can match. Gout has symptoms like redness and swelling in joints, especially the big toe. The discomfort can last for weeks and also limit flexibility and mobility. Similarly, Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms include pain, inflammation, redness, and limited motion.
The difference is that Gout pain can occur anytime and gets severe within four to twelve hours after starting. On the other hand, Rheumatoid Arthritis pain is severe in the morning after waking up. Some additional symptoms can be loss of appetite and fever.
Gout vs Arthritis diagnosis
The diagnosis of Gout is based on checking for urate crystals. Some ways to do so are ultrasound, blood test, fluid test, and Dual-energy Computerized Tomography (DECT), which involves X-rays from different angles. A normal joint X-ray can help rule out other causes of inflammation.
On the other hand, Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis involves laboratory tests, like blood tests to check for antibodies and inflammation, or imaging tests, such as MRI, X-ray or CT scan.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout treatment
The treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout focuses on improving symptoms and function. It involves medicines like Corticosteroids like Prednisone or Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Naproxen for pain. Allopurinol and febuxostat are used to reduce uric acid. Additionally, surgeries can be performed if needed to repair or replace joints.
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Is Arthritis more painful than Gout
Both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout are painful. The difference is that Gout pain is sudden and can occur anytime. On the other hand, Rheumatoid Arthritis pain can be worse when you wake up or in cold weather, and it is a prolonged pain that can worsen if left untreated.
Can Gout turn into Arthritis
Gout itself is a type of Arthritis, and having it multiple times can lead to a more severe form called Gouty Arthritis, that gets progressively worse. Sometimes, Gout can also mimic other types of Arthritis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
So, it can be hard to differentiate the two on time and seek adequate treatment. You should consult a doctor for precise diagnosis and timely medical care to improve your symptoms.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout together
It was previously believed that Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout cannot be combined. Before 2014, only 55 cases of coexistent Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis were reported.
However, according to a 2021 study, out of 1999 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, 86 had Gout, and an additional 35 had incidental Gout. So, the possibility of having Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis together is higher than assumed or studied earlier.
Conclusion
Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis are both types of Arthritis. Excessive uric acid build-up causes Gout, while the improper function of the immune system leads to an attack on healthy body tissues, which causes Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Their symptoms include redness, inflammation, and pain. A doctor can diagnose and differentiate them based on blood tests or imaging tests. Their treatment is also focused on improving symptoms and function. For Arthritis pain relief, painkillers like Naproxen or Corticosteroids like Prednisone can be used. For serious damage, surgeries can be an option to repair or replace joints.
Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis can also occur together or can be misinterpreted as each other. So, proper diagnosis is essential to seek the right treatment and avoid the onset of complications.
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