Gout is a type of arthritis but isn’t the same as rheumatoid arthritis.
They can look eerily similar in that they both limit your motion range and can cause swelling and pain.
There is stiffness with both as well. However, there are vast differences between the two ailments.
Understanding the differences between gout and RA will help you if you seek diagnosis from a doctor.
That way you will be able to be proactive and not fearful of treatment.
The Causes
The main difference between gout and rheumatoid arthritis is the causes of both. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is the person’s immune system.
Their immune system attacks the joints like an enemy invader.
Gout has a completely different root cause. It develops because of higher levels of uric acid in the blood.
The Attacks
Another difference between the two diseases is how they attack you. Gout comes on suddenly while RA creeps in slowly causing pain.
The age of patients is another clue. RA attacks women at the height of their reproductive years while gout attacks either those in their late 20s or early 30s or older people in their 70s and 80s.
How You Can Relieve Symptoms
In the case of gout, medical experts suggest that changing your diet can offer some relief.
The idea is some foods help lower uric acid in the blood. Eating more fruits and vegetables, cutting back on saturated fats and including good, healthy, lean proteins can help lower uric acid.
Likewise, avoiding things like organ meats, reducing red meat, limiting seafood and avoiding alchohol and sugar will reduce your risk for gout.
See Your Doctor
No matter which disease you may have, the key to relieving pain and symptoms is to get tested by a doctor.
No cure exists for either condition but doctors can provide solid treatments and medications that result in pain relief and better function.
