What is the difference between rheumatism and gout? Where is it manifested?

Because both rheumatism and gout can cause joint pain, most people confuse rheumatism and gout, and also confuse prevention and treatment, resulting in the disease not being effectively prevented and controlled, thereby aggravating the pain of the disease. So what is the difference between the two?

1. Different definitions

Rheumatism refers to a large group of diseases that affect bones, joints, muscles and surrounding soft tissues, such as bursae, tendons, fascia, blood vessels, nerves, etc., most of which are autoimmune diseases.

Gout refers to a recurrent inflammatory disease caused by the deposition of urate crystals in the synovium, bursae, cartilage and other tissues of the joints.

2. Different causes

Rheumatic disease is mainly related to immune response, and other factors include infection, genetics, endocrine, and environment.

The most direct cause of gout is the metabolic disorder of a substance called purine in the body. The cause of gout is related to gender, eating habits, and genetics.

3. Different symptoms

The joint pain caused by rheumatism is mainly pain in large joints such as the knees, shoulders, and waist, which is obviously related to weather changes. Clinical examination showed high rheumatic indexes and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

The joint pain of gout is more severe and often occurs suddenly in the middle of the night or early in the morning. This condition usually first occurs in the big toe of one foot and has little to do with the climate. Clinical examination showed high blood uric acid concentration.

4. Different susceptible groups

The main populations susceptible to rheumatic diseases include postpartum women, overworked people and the elderly. The majority of the population are female. The incidence rate of disease is as high as 60% for people who work and live in a dark, humid or temperature-variable environment and who are exposed to wind, cold and rain.

The high-risk groups for gout are middle-aged men, obese people, those who consume high-purine foods, alcoholics, and those who have frequent social activities.

5. Different prognosis

Rheumatic diseases include many types of diseases and their pathogenesis is relatively vague, so the prognosis of rheumatic diseases with different symptoms varies. However, most rheumatic diseases require long-term medication to control the condition.

The cause and pathogenesis of gout are relatively clear, and the prevention and treatment effects are significant, so the prognosis is relatively good. If diagnosed early and treated appropriately, most gout patients can work and live normally.