Scientists don t know what causes rheumatoid arthritis but think it has something to do with a breakdown in the immune system, the body s defense against disease. Gout most often occurs in older men. It affects the toes, ankles, elbows, wrists and hands. An acute attack of gout is very painful. Swelling may cause the skin to pull tightly around the joint and make the area red or purple and very tender.
Medicines can stop gout attacks, as well as prevent further attacks and damage to the joints.
Treatments include medicines, special exercise, use of heat or cold, weight control, and surgery. Medicines help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Acetaminophen, should be the first drug used to control pain in people with osteoarthritis. People with osteoarthritis who don t respond to acetaminophen and those with rheumatoid arthritis and gout are most commonly treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. People taking medicine for any form of arthritis should limit the amount of alcohol they drink.