How do I know if I have Gout or Arthritis?

How do I know if I have Gout or Arthritis?About 4 weeks ago I had a pain on my left wrist and right ankle hurt. Nothing major just irritating. Two weeks later woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't bend my knee or put pressue on it. My Dr asked about gout and arthritis but sent me for Xrays which came back OK. He game me Voltaren and said could send me to a orthopedic if pain continued. I can walk on my knee but my wrist and fingers are sore. Also ankles were swollen and right toe was sore. If it is gout should I get a prescription or will a strict diet cure?

MrsNaeNay
i have a really bad type of arthritis, nothing like what you have but it could only be diagnosed with x-rays and blood tests, try seeing a rheumatologist, i know a guy that has gout and he takes vicodin...

Amy G
I would go for some blood work. I thought I had Gout, or at least that is what the Dr.'s told me. I went to an orthopedic Dr. and he diagnosed me with a broken foot!!!! Don't give up until you get to the bottom of your problem. Good Luck

screamingfreedom
Gout it one of the easiest forms of arthritis to treat.

First things first. You need to find out if you have gout or something else. The symptoms are consistent with gout. They can also be consistent with many forms of arthritis.

I am surprised that he would send you to an orthopedist before doing blood work. Since it does not seem like your doctor wants to deal with this call and ask for the referral. The orthopedist will run the test needed to diagnose your condition.

Here is a link about diagnosing gout.

http://arthritis-symptom.com/Gout-Symptoms/gout-diagnosis.htm

redbeardthegiant
keep Lyme Disease in mind.

JQ Zen
The general symptoms for gout are as follows:
* Sudden intense pain in a joint, typically the big toe, ankle or knee.
* Swelling, inflammation, and a feeling that the joint is very hot.
* Affected area is very sensitive to slight pressure.
* In extreme cases, alternating chills and fever.
* Usually strikes unexpectedly and may recur, but symptoms typically do not last more than a week.

Based on my personal experience, when I had a gout attack on my toes, I had difficulties walking or even wearing shoes. The pain is just unbearable and can last for whole day and night.

To have immediate treatment, you need ask your doctor to prescribe non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug to reduce the inflammation at the swollen joints.

Avoid eating organs, meats, shellfish. Eat plenty vegetables and fruits especially cherries, and drink plenty of water.

What do you think? Answer below! Gout - information, symptoms and treatments. Googout.info health information factsheet - advice on gout and its symptoms, causes and treatment, plus prevention through diet.

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