Gout in Images: Elbow Gout
Wednesday has sort of unofficially become our Gout in Images day, so today we feature another set of photos related to gout: gout in the elbow.
Unlike most other joints commonly affected by gout, the elbows are more prone to other ailments that have symptoms of inflammation. Regular arthritis is one, and bursitis, the inflammation of the fluid-filled sac called the bursa between the tendon and skin, looks awfully like gout—especially in the elbow—under simple observation.
Anyway, below are some pictures you can use for comparison. The latter photos show tophi have formed. In this case, it would be hard to mistake the condition for any other except gout.
A word of warning once again, this post is not suited for those with a weak stomach.
The onset of gout in the elbow. Affected area is clearly swollen and red.
Once you feel something in your elbow, visit a physician. It is likely that they will take a fluid sample to analyze for uric acid crystals. Only then can an official diagnosis be made.
A more advanced case where tophus is already present.
Gout in women is rarer than in men. Older women, or those who are already menopausal, are more at risk.
Severe uric acid crystal formation.
Another severe and rare case of elbow gout where both elbows are affected.
Do not let it come to this. Cases like these have rendered elbows immovable and useless, and would already require removal surgery.