Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout: What’s the Difference?

Everyday Health—May 22, 2017

Everyday Health featured an article written by HSS rheumatologist Theodore R. Fields, MD, FACP on the differences between rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Dr. Fields explained "gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that is caused when there is too much uric acid in the body," and "if too much uric acid builds up or cannot be filtered by the kidneys, acid crystals form in the joints" which cause pain.

To discern if the condition is gout or rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Fields suggested locating which joints are inflamed. "Gout is most common in the big toe, at the joint where the toe meets the foot," and rheumatoid arthritis "tends to involve the smaller joints in the hands early on."

However, "gout is an extremely treatable condition," added Dr. Fields, "so getting a proper diagnosis and appropriate management is critical."

Read the full article at EverydayHealth.com
Dr. Fields also discussed this topic on WXGM, WCXZ and WTBQ radio on May 22, 2017.