Think you've got gout in your elbow? These 4 treatments may help

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. These crystals can cause sudden, severe pain, swelling and redness in the affected joint. Gout is often associated with the big toe, but it can also affect other joints, including the:

• Elbow
• Shoulder
• Wrist

Approximately 9 million Americans are affected by gout, with men being more likely to develop gout than women. If you’re experiencing joint pain and suspect it may be gout, understanding what it is and how to manage it can make a big difference. 

Can you get gout in your elbow, shoulder or wrist?

Yes, you can get gout in your elbow and other joints. Although less common, elbow gout can be incredibly painful and debilitating. As mentioned above, the pain is caused by uric acid crystals that accumulate in joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally removed from the body through urine. When your body produces too much uric acid or has trouble getting rid of it, crystals can form and cause inflammation and pain in your joints. 

Here’s a closer look at how gout can affect different parts of your arm:

• Elbow — Elbow gout can cause intense pain, swelling and redness. It may feel like a sharp, sudden pain, especially at night. 
• Shoulder — Although rare, gout can affect your shoulder joint, leading to pain and restricted movement. You may experience sharp pain, especially during movement or at night. 
• Wrist — Gout in your wrist can cause pain, swelling and difficulty moving your wrist. It can make everyday tasks, like typing or gripping objects, challenging. 

This condition can significantly limit your range of motion in your elbow, shoulder or wrist and make it challenging to do everyday tasks. 

Causes of gout 

Several factors can contribute to the development of gout, including:

• Genetics — A family history of gout can increase your risk of developing it.
• Diet — Consuming a diet high in purines can elevate uric acid levels. Purines can be found in:
• Red meat
• Organ meats
• Certain seafoods
• Obesity — Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing gout. 
• Alcohol consumption — Excessive alcohol intake can raise uric acid levels in your blood. 
• Medications — Certain medications, such as diuretics and low-dose aspirin, can increase the risk of gout.
• Medical conditions — Conditions such as kidney disease or hypertension can affect uric acid metabolism. 

Symptoms of gout in the elbow, shoulder or wrist

The symptoms of gout can vary depending on which joint is affected. They include:

• Severe pain — The pain usually comes on suddenly and can be very intense. It often starts during the night and may wake you up.
• Swelling — The affected joint may become swollen and tender to the touch. 
• Redness and warmth — The skin over the affected joint may look red and feel warm to the touch. 
• Limited range of motion — You may find it hard to move the affected joint normally. 
• Fever — In some cases, you may experience a fever with a gout attack. 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to see a health care provider for a proper diagnosis. They can confirm whether gout is the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment plan. 

How is gout diagnosed?

Diagnosing gout involves several steps, including:

• Medical history — Your doctor or health care provider will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and if you have a family history of gout. 
• Physical examination — They will examine the affected joint for signs of swelling, redness and warmth. 
• Blood tests — These tests can check the levels of uric acid in your blood. High levels of uric acid can suggest gout, though other tests may be needed for a definitive diagnosis. 
• Joint fluid test — In some cases, your doctor may take a sample of fluid from the affected joint to look for uric acid crystals under a microscope.
• Imaging tests — X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to view the joint and detect any changes caused by gout. 

Treatment options for gout in the elbow, shoulder or wrist

Treatment for gout aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and help prevent future attacks. Common treatment approaches for gout can include:

• Medication — Gout is often treated with medications such as:
• Pain relievers — Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Colchicine — This medication can help reduce inflammation and pain, especially if taken early during a gout attack. 
• Uricosuric agents — These medications can help your body eliminate uric acid more effectively, reducing your risk of future gout attacks. 
• Corticosteroids — These may be prescribed to reduce inflammation if NSAIDs aren’t effective or suitable. 
• Lifestyle changes — Making certain lifestyle changes and habits can help you manage gout, including:
• Diet — It’s important to avoid foods high in purines. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This can help manage uric acid levels. 
• Hydration — Drinking plenty of water can help flush uric acid out of your body. 
• Weight management — Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the frequency of gout attacks. 
• Triggers — Identifying and avoiding triggers can help prevent future episodes. Keeping a food diary can help you make dietary changes. 
• Rest and elevation — Resting and elevating your affected arm can help reduce pain and swelling when you experience a gout attack. 
• Physical therapy — Physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing gout, especially if it’s affecting your elbow. 

Physical therapy treatment techniques for gout in your elbow

Physical therapy is a beneficial treatment for gout in the elbow. Gout affects the joints, and physical therapy can help address joint and soft tissue concerns to help improve your range of motion, reduce pain and reduce the risk of future flare-ups. Effective physical therapy techniques that can treat gout in the elbow include:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used to help with pain and movement problems. For gout in the elbow, your physical therapist may use manual therapy techniques, such as:
• Soft tissue mobilization — Your physical therapist will use their hands to apply firm but gentle pressure to the soft tissue surrounding the elbow joint, like the muscles, tendons and ligaments, to help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow and alleviate pain. 
• Joint mobilization — Gentle movements are applied to your elbow joint to help improve its range of motion and reduce stiffness. This can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — The Graston Technique® is an IASTM technique where your physical therapist uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis and adhesions. This can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.  
• Myofascial release — A specific type of soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release involves your physical therapist applying pressure to the fascia, or connective tissue, to help release tension and improve flexibility. This technique can help reduce pain and improve range of motion. 
• Therapeutic exercises — Therapeutic exercises are specially designed to improve strength and flexibility. For gout in the elbow, these exercises can help improve movement, strengthen muscles and ease stiffness. 
• Electrical stimulation — Your physical therapist will apply electrodes to your skin around the affected area. These electrodes deliver low-level electrical currents to help with pain and muscle problems. 

Physical therapy offers many helpful techniques for managing gout in the elbow. Each technique is chosen based on your individual needs and concerns to help you feel better and move more comfortably. Your physical therapist will thoroughly assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Gout in your elbow doesn’t have to control your life; physical therapy can treat your symptoms.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for managing gout in your elbow

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address gout in the elbow. 

Come find help for your elbow pain today!