Patient's question:
I am 53 years old. Recently, as I have gotten older, I have been experiencing leg pain. I have previously visited the immunology department, but the results were not significant. I have taken both Chinese and Western medicine, especially when the weather changes, I feel uncomfortable. How should gouty arthritis be treated best?Doctor's answer:
Gouty arthritis is caused by the deposition of uric acid in the joint capsule, bursae, cartilage, bone, and other tissues, leading to damage and inflammatory reactions. It often has a genetic component and is more common in men over 40. It frequently affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint but can also occur in other larger joints, particularly the ankles and feet. Pay attention to dietary control of total calorie intake, weight management, and limiting the intake of purine-rich foods to reduce the production of uric acid, a metabolic byproduct.