Why is gout particularly painful at night?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Aihua
Introduction
The particularly severe pain of gout at night may be due to heavy physical labor during the day, which increases lactic acid production, reduces uric acid excretion, and consequently elevates uric acid concentration. It could also result from decreased secretion of adrenal glucocorticoids at night, leading to reduced anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, lower fluid intake at night, combined with excessively low ambient temperature, may increase blood viscosity and cause local accumulation of uric acid.
Generally, gout pain tends to worsen at night due to factors such as excessive fatigue, changes in hormone levels, and uric acid deposition. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive Fatigue
This may result from prolonged heavy physical labor or intense exercise during the day, leading to increased lactic acid production, reduced excretion of serum uric acid, and consequently elevated uric acid concentration.
2. Hormonal Changes
At night, the secretion of adrenal glucocorticoids may decrease, reducing their anti-inflammatory effects and thereby contributing to increased pain.
3. Uric Acid Deposition
Reduced fluid intake at night, combined with lower ambient temperatures, may increase blood viscosity, promoting localized accumulation of uric acid.
In addition, slower blood circulation during nighttime may also contribute to the above phenomena. It is recommended to actively pursue standardized treatment under a physician's guidance to help improve symptoms and enhance quality of life.
