Both gout and bursitis are conditions which affect the joints, causing symptoms of pain and swelling. The similarity of their symptoms can make it difficult to distinguish the cause of your discomfort, especially if joint pain is new for you. Whilst you should always see a health professional to diagnose any condition you are suffering from, there are some key differences between gout and bursitis which are well worth knowing about.

Here are the main ways in which these two common conditions differ, and how you can help to reduce your chances of developing either of them.

Causes

Whilst both gout and bursitis impact the joints, they are caused by different problems and chemical processes within the body. Gout is a result of sharp urate crystals becoming lodged around the joints, which form as a result of having high levels of uric acid in the blood.

Bursitis happens when the bursa becomes inflamed or infected. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac which absorbs shock, cushions and lubricates the joints and their surrounding tissues. Having bursitis cannot cause gout, but having gout can lead to the bursa becoming irritated. Therefore, having gout is actually a risk factor for bursitis.

Risk factors

Some risk factors for developing these conditions are common, including being overweight and having pre-existing health concerns such as diabetes, or suffering from a joint-related injury.

Others are specific to each condition. For gout, the most prevalent risk factor is consuming a diet too high in alcohol, red meats, organs meats and shellfish. This is because these foods contain a high amount of purines, which cause uric acid to be produced when they are metabolised by the kidneys.

Risk factors for bursitis include overuse of a joint, which is why this condition is common in athletes, as well as construction workers or people who continuously use specific joints daily. Resting the sore joint and taking anti-inflammatory medication is one of the best ways to manage your symptoms of bursitis.

Symptoms

As both gout and bursitis cause severe pain, swelling and a reduced range of movement, one way to determine which of these conditions may be ailing you is to consider which joint it is that’s painful. Gout typically affects the joints of the extremities, usually the big toe and sometimes the fingers. In contrast, whilst bursitis can also affect these joints, it is most common in the elbows, knees and hips.

Complications

Both these conditions can lead to unpleasant compilations, so it’s important to know how to manage them.

Recurring gout can cause erosion of the cartilage in the joint, which is extremely painful. Advanced gout can also cause painful deposits of urate crystals to form under the skin, called tophi. Kidney stones are also a concern for people living with gout, which may need medical treatment. To manage your symptoms of gout and reduce your chances of experiencing flare-ups, be sure to adjust your diet to include plenty of low-purine foods, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.

Septic bursitis is caused by an infection, and can happen as a result of injury to the joint. If your bursitis is infected, the joint will feel hot, be red and inflamed. You may also feel unwell and have a fever. This condition requires urgent medical treatment. Bunions are also an associated complication of bursitis, where the first joint of the big toe becomes chronically inflamed. Again, see your doctor if you develop symptoms of bunions.

Whichever joint-related condition you may be suffering from, always consult a registered health professional for diagnostic tests and to access any recommended treatments.