What Happens When Gout Is Left Untreated?
Gout is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints. It is highly treatable, but when left untreated, it can lead to recurrent symptoms and other possible complications.
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Recurrent Gout
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Untreated gout may progress to recurrent gout, in which attacks of one or more joints occur several times a year, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Chronic Gouty Arthritis
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Chronic gouty arthritis may lead to joint deformities, loss of motion, and lasting pain in the joints, according to Medline Plus.
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Advanced Gout
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In advanced gout, sufferers develop areas in the skin called tophi, which become tender and swollen during a flareup of gout symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Kidney Stones
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The Mayo Clinic reports a buildup of urate crystals, which are sharp, crystalline structures that develop as a result of too much uric acid in the body, can lead to kidney stones in gout sufferers.
Considerations
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Medline Plus reports that half of all people who have had one gout attack will have at least one more. Fortunately, a doctor can prescribe appropriate medications to relieve symptoms and remove excess uric acid (the root cause of the condition) from the blood.
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