Patient/caregiver was educated on complications of unresolved gout as follows:
Nerve damage:
- Tophi deposition and inflamed joints can exert pressure on the nerves running close to the joint involved, leading to neuropathy.
- Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of neuropathy, such as, nerve pain, altered sensation, tingling& numbness along the area of distribution of the involved nerve, sharp radiating burning pain along the distribution of the nerve, and weakness of muscles supplied by the involved nerve.
Limited range of motion:
- The pain and swelling can lead to stiffness and limitation in the range of motion (ROM) of the involved joints.
Compromised independence on ADL/IADL performance:
- The pain and tenderness with limitation of range of motion in the joints involved can lead to reduced ability and independence on ADL/IADL performance.
- This can contribute to overall compromised activity and caregiver dependent states.
Septicemia:
- The infection in the bone can enter the blood and spread to distant body sites, resulting in septicemia and consequent complications.
