Symptoms of Gout
- Acute joint pain: It appears suddenly or after a high-protein meal, excessive alcohol consumption, or after trauma, typically at night with severe pain in a single joint (most common in the big toe).
- Swelling, warmth, and redness: swollen joint, the skin over the joint appears shiny, red, and is extremely sensitive to touch.
- Reduced joint mobility: The pain makes joint movement difficult.
- Systemic symptoms: May be accompanied by fever and fatigue.
- Chronic phase: Formation of tophi (small nodules containing urate crystals) under the skin, commonly found on the ears, elbows, ankles, toes,...; Formation of kidney stones and chronic kidney disease caused by gout.
Common risk groups for Gout
- Gout is commonly seen in men between the ages of 30 and 40, and may also occur in postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes.
- Individuals who frequently consume foods rich in purines such as seafood, red meat, and organ meats or drink a lot of alcohol.
- Individuals with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney failure, or metabolic syndrome.
- Having a family history of gout increases the risk of developing the disease.
- Patients taking diuretics, anti-tuberculosis drugs, or immunosuppressive medications may experience elevated uric acid levels in the blood.
Diagnostic methods for Gout at Hong Ngoc General Hospital
- Clinical examination: The doctor asks about the patient's symptoms and directly palpates and checks mobility to assess the patient's condition.
- Test: Blood tests (to assess uric acid levels, inflammatory markers, liver and kidney function, blood glucose, blood lipids, etc.), joint fluid analysis (Detection of urate crystals in synovial fluid).
- Diagnostic Imaging: X-ray, joint ultrasound, and MRI scans,... are used to detect joint damage and the deposition of urate crystals around the joints.
Treatment methods of Gout at Hong Ngoc General Hospital
Based on each patient's condition and medical history, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate treatment method.
1. Conservative treatment
- Internal medicine treatment: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are used to control acute gout attacks.
- Physiotherapy : Modern therapy machines imported from Austria and Germany combined with manual acupuncture techniques to relieve pain and improve joint mobility.
2. Surgical treatment
Hong Ngoc General Hospital performs surgery for severe injuries or cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.
- Surgery using NEGATIVE PRESSURE SUCTION (V.A.C) technique: Treatment of chronic gout-related ulcers and infected tophi. Helps increase local blood circulation by up to 400%, stimulates new tissue regeneration, and reduces swelling and pain in the ankle.
- Joint Replacement Surgery: Suitable for cases where tophi causes joint deformities and infections affect the patient's mobility.
Examination process at the Musculoskeletal Department-Hong Ngoc General Hospital
- Step 1: Clinical examination by a specialist.
- Step 2: Perform paraclinical tests( MRI, X-ray, ultrasound,..) as prescribed.
- Step 3: The physician diagnoses the condition, determines the disease progression, and formulates an individualized treatment protocol.
- Step 4: Monitoring and managing the condition at home.
In addition, the Musculoskeletal Department collaborates with the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, the Orthopedic Trauma Unit, and other relevant departments in certain cases to develop comprehensive and effective treatment protocols for patients.
Why choose Hong Ngoc General Hospital for the examination and treatment of Gout?
At Hong Ngoc’s Musculoskeletal Department, patients will receive high-quality medical care through a comprehensive and personalized approach:
- 1:1 consultations with a team of experienced Associate Professors, PhDs, Master, and Level I & II Specialists, many of whom have trained at various national central hospitals and leading international institutions.
- Constant updates on conservative treatment techniques, optimizing both outcomes and cost for patients.
- State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, including the 2560-slide CT scanner ( Revolution Apex Elite 3.0), SIGNA Prime MRI system, Logiq P7 musculoskeletal ultrasound, and digital X-ray machines,… enabling early detection of complex conditions.
- Personalized follow-up schedules with proactive appointments reminders for each patient.
- A clean, comfortable hospital environment enhanced with modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and Buffet service, an on-site cafe, restaurants,..
- Weekend services with no extra fees.
- Fast and efficient direct billing insurance procedures, ensuring maximum benefits for patients.
