Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Gout and pseudogout
A condition that usually affects men between the age of 30 and 60 usually caused by an unhealthy diet and lifestyle
About gout and pseudogaut
Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, caused by crystal deposits in your joint. Pseudogout is caused by a different type of crystal deposit. Both can cause severe, sudden joint pain especially at the base of your big toe. Pain usually comes on very quickly. Future damage to joints can be avoided with treatment.
Need to know
Symptoms may include:
- severe, sudden pain in any joint but usually the big toe, fingers, wrists, elbows or knees
- red, hot and/or swollen skin over the affected joint
- the affected joint feeling very tender to the touch
Your consultant will speak to you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination of your joints. They may also suggest some, or all, of the following tests to confirm diagnosis:
- blood tests
- an X-ray of the affected joint
- a synovial fluid exam.
This involve taking fluid samples from a joint through a needle and examining them under a microscope for urate crystals.
Possible treatments include:
- urate lowering drugs
- to reduce the uric acid levels in your blood
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.