Can You Get Gout in Your Shoulder?

Shoulder pain, I'm sure, has plagued many people. Many people's first thought may be frozen shoulder. But have you ever thought that shoulder pain can also be caused by gout? It may sound unbelievable, but in fact, gout doesn't “pick a place”, it can attack any joint in the body, including the shoulder.

Gout is a common arthritis that is mainly caused by too much uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body when it breaks a purine (a substance found in food or in the body). As uric acid is concentrated too high in the circulation, it results in the formation of urate crystallization that take place. These crystals will be precipitated in the joints, soft tissues and other parts of the body, which causes an inflammed response, leading to redness, swelling, pain and even deformity of the joints.

As consequence, urate crystals may be deposited in various parts of the body, including the shoulder joint. So, how does gout affect the shoulder joint? Can you get gout in your shoulder? Take these questions and let's follow Fivali as she explores the “big picture” of gout!

Gout “creeps” into the Shoulder: The Relationship Between Gout and the Shoulder

We often associate gout with red, swollen and hot pain in the big toe. However, this inflammatory disease caused by the deposition of urate crystals is not always confined to the joints of the lower extremities. As the disease progresses, urate crystals may be deposited in various joints in the body, including our shoulder joints.

As the joint with the greatest range of motion in the body, the shoulder joint is structurally complex and can cause a series of inflammatory responses once it is attacked by uric acid crystals. Patients may suffer from shoulder pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and eventual nocturnal pain. This phenomenon is known as gouty arthritis.

Shoulder Gout: The Hidden Health Crisis

Any factor that increases the levels of uric acid in your bloodstream may put you at risk for gout. Some specific risk factors are:

Gender: Gout is about five timesTrusted Source more common in men.

Age: Gout usually occurs in men over 40 and in women after menopause. In people over age 80Trusted Source, the prevalence of gout is about 10 percent of men and 6 percent of women.

Genetics: Having other family members with gout increases your risk. Specific genes have been detected that are associated with the ability of the kidneys to remove uric acid.

Medical Conditions: Medical conditions that affect kidney function put you at risk for gout. If you have surgery or trauma, this can increase your risk.

Gout also has a multiple risk factors affecting:

• Carrying excess weight or being obese
• Consuming a diet rich in purine-containing foods
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Utilizing specific medications like diuretics or water pills
• High intake of fructose, a type of sugar

Treatment Options for Gout Shoulder Pain

Treatment for gout shoulder pain should not only be concerned with pain relief from an acute gout attack, but also with the long-term controlling of uric acid and restoration of joint function. Treatment usually comprises of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications in addition.

Following are the methods of treatment for gout shoulder pain:

1. Medication

Consuming anti-inflammatory medications can help lessen the cramps of gout conditions in the shoulder in general. While over the counter medications can be used, you may also receive a prescription from your doctor, especially for more severe cases of gout.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

Gout diets have mixed results for sufferers. The objective of a gout diet is to minimize inflammation by lowering the level of uric acid in the circulation. The gout diet is best done in conjunction with other treatments such as medications. Avoid foods that are high in uric acid, such as liver, kidneys, sweet breads and red meat. Alcohol can also increase gout attacks. Limited intake of sugar-containing materials. Vitamin C can also lower uric acid to lower uric acid levels, so eat plenty of foods rich in the vitamin.

3. Donning Shoulder Braces

Putting on a double shoulder brace is a helpful aid in relieving gout shoulder pain. Shoulder braces can relieve pain resulting from articular friction by delivering support and immobilization of the shoulder joint and reducing the range of motion of the joint. Simultaneously, shoulder brace contribute to improve partial blood circulation, promote the reduction of inflammation, alleviate swelling and discomfort.

Our Fivali dual shoulder brace combines multiple functions into one and is designed for gout shoulder pain relief. The Fivali double shoulder compression sleeve is made from advanced breathable materials that keep you dry and comfortable even after extended wear. The compression function of the shoulder brace helps to improves local blood circulation and promotes inflammation to subside.

Another double compression shoulder brace cross-strap design is more effective in fixing and supporting your shoulder, which can effectively reduce the range of motion of the shoulder joint, thus easing the pain resulting from joint friction is reduced. Fivali best double shoulder support brace are the way to go!

4. Manage Weight

Controlling your weight can reduce the burden on your joints and gout affected areas, including your shoulders. A healthy lifestyle and weight can also work to help your body heal and fight gout inflammation.

5. Reduce Strain

Elevating heavy weights and doing too many shoulder exercises can intensify inflammation in the shoulder and makes the pain worse. Talk to your doctor about what exercises are safe with your shoulder gout and what weight limit you can lift without furthering any shoulder damage.

Make sure you consult a doctor if your shoulder pain is already affecting your normal life so that you don't delay treatment.

The treatment of gout shoulder pain is a complicated process that demands the aggressive behavior of the patient is required. In process of treatment, patients may experience all kinds of difficulties, but as long as they keep a positive attitude, they will definitely be able to surmount the disease at all. Let's struggle for a healthy life together!