Summary
Gout disease is a metabolic disease in which urate crystals (uric acid) are deposited in the joints, bursae and tendons, primarily in the lower extremities. If the joints of the hand are also affected, which is only rarely the case, the hand may be severely painful and have limited mobility. As a rule, gout first manifests itself in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe.
The acute gout-related joint inflammation is called gout arthritis and can promote the development of arthrosis. Since it is a metabolic disease, a change in diet can alleviate the symptoms in addition to drug therapy. Physiotherapy can contribute to the maintenance of physiological joint function and mechanics in intervals free of inflammation.