What is Chiragra?

Chiragra is a form of gout which affects the joints of the hands, and results in acute, painful episodes (attacks) of inflammation. The inflammation is caused by too much uric acid which forms small crystals in and around the joints. Uric acid is increased in the body by eating certain foods (especially seafood, red meat, or organ meats such as liver or kidneys), as well as by drinking alcohol. The main symptoms of chiragra are swelling, tenderness, and redness of the hand joints. Gout tends to affect people over 30 years old and men more commonly than women.

Risks

Gout is the underlying cause of chiragra and is caused by excess amounts of uric acid in the blood, which forms crystals in the joints. These crystals are very irritating and cause the joints to become inflamed (red, swollen, and painful). Gout is a very common condition. It tends to affect more men than women and becomes increasingly more common with age. Drinking alcohol, eating red meat or organ meats (such as liver or kidneys), and using certain medications (such as heart failure and high blood pressure medications) increases the chances of having gout.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms include severe pain in the hand and finger joints associated with redness, swelling, difficulty moving the joints, and sometimes tophi (uric acid crystals deposits appearing as yellowish firm nodules). Symptoms often come on suddenly, and attacks of gout are often recurrent.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the individual’s medical history and physical examination. A doctor may take a sample of fluid from a swollen joint to look for evidence of gout crystals in the joint. Blood tests can monitor the amount of uric acid in the blood. Ultrasounds or X-rays of the joint may be helpful to look for signs of damage as a result of gout.

Treatment

Pain and swelling during an attack of chiragra are managed with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications (such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or colchicine). Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, a healthy diet, and taking regular exercise, might also be helpful in the management of gout.

Prevention

Preventing future attacks of gout can be done by changing the diet to avoid foods that trigger attacks of gout and (if needed) with a medication called allopurinol. Allopurinol reduces the amount of uric acid in the blood. Losing weight might also be helpful in preventing future attacks of gout.

Other names for chiragra

• Gout of the hand

**What is Chiragra?**



**Question:** What is the medical⁢ condition known ‍as chiragra?



**Answer:** ⁢Chiragra is a type of ​gout that⁣ specifically affects the⁤ hands and feet. It⁢ is⁤ characterized by sudden and severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints of ‍the fingers and toes.



**Symptoms of Chiragra:**



* Severe joint pain, ‌especially in the​ thumbs, fingers, and big toes

* Swelling and inflammation in⁢ the joints

* Redness ‌and heat in the affected area

* ⁣Stiffness and reduced range of motion

* Tophi (small, chalky ⁣deposits) around the joints



**Causes ‌of Chiragra:**



Chiragra ‌is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals ‌in the‌ joints. Uric⁣ acid is a⁣ waste product of purine⁤ metabolism, a process that occurs naturally ‍in the body. Excessive purine intake or impaired uric acid excretion can⁣ lead to elevated uric ​acid ⁤levels in the blood,‌ known as hyperuricemia. When ⁣hyperuricemia ‍persists, ⁢uric acid crystals can precipitate and ⁢accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation and pain.



**Risk ⁣Factors for Chiragra:**



* ⁤High purine intake from ⁢foods such as red meat, ⁢organ meats, and seafood

*‍ Obesity

* Diabetes

* Hypertension

* Kidney disease

* Family history of gout

* Certain medications, such as diuretics and aspirin



**Diagnosis of ‍Chiragra:**



* Physical examination and medical history

* Blood test to measure uric acid levels

* Joint fluid ⁣aspiration to ⁢confirm the presence of‍ uric acid crystals



**Treatment for Chiragra:**



*⁣ Medications to reduce inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicine

* Medications to lower uric acid levels, such as ​allopurinol or‍ febuxostat

* Corticosteroids to relieve pain and inflammation

* Lifestyle modifications to reduce purine intake and promote weight loss

* Regular exercise and joint protection



**Prevention of Chiragra:**



* Maintain a healthy weight

* Limit intake of ⁤high-purine foods

* Stay hydrated by⁢ drinking plenty of water

* Exercise regularly

* Manage underlying ⁣health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension

* Talk⁤ to your doctor about medications that can increase ​your risk of gout



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* Uric ⁢acid crystals