Gout Significantly Impairs Hand Function Comparable to Rheumatoid Arthritis

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Turkey, has unveiled significant impairments in hand function among individuals suffering from gout. The research, which took place at the Ankara Etlik City Hospital Rheumatology Clinic between March and August 2024, highlights how gout affects grip strength, endurance, and manual dexterity—issues that are comparable to those experienced by patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The findings, published on July 7, 2025, in the Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, demonstrate that individuals with gout exhibit similar grip strength to healthy individuals; however, they show markedly reduced grip endurance and manual dexterity. The study involved a comparative analysis of participants who met the 2015 ACR-EULAR classification criteria for gout and the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for RA, with healthy controls included for reference.

According to Dr. Oguzhan Mete, the lead researcher, "We found that gout had worse dexterity than healthy controls, and it was nearly as poor as in RA. This is surprising considering that RA primarily affects the hand joints, yet gout patients also experience significant manual dexterity impairments. This issue warrants further investigation."

Participants with gout demonstrated longer completion times in the Nine-Hole Peg Test—an assessment of manual dexterity—compared to both healthy controls and individuals with RA. Specifically, patients with gout required significantly more time for placing (P = .001), removing (P < .001), and total test completion (P < .001). Notably, their perceived hand functional disability, measured using the Duruöz Hand Index, was lower than that of RA patients but higher than healthy controls, indicating that while gout severely impacts hand function, it does not do so to the same extent as RA.

The implications of these findings are substantial. Gout, often perceived as a less severe condition than RA, can lead to functional impairments that hinder daily activities. The study emphasizes the necessity for healthcare professionals to incorporate hand function assessments into the clinical management of gout patients. Dr. Mete noted, "Assessing hand function during clinical examinations for patients with gout should be standard practice. This is critical for effective management and improving patient quality of life."

Historically, the relationship between gout and hand function has been underexplored. Previous studies have primarily focused on the metabolic and inflammatory aspects of gout without adequately addressing its physical manifestations in terms of dexterity and grip strength. The current research fills this gap, providing a clearer understanding of the structural changes in hand joints and surrounding tissues due to gout, which result in diminished hand functionality.

Furthermore, Dr. Hu Xu, an expert in rheumatology from the University of Auckland, pointed out, "The findings add a valuable dimension to our understanding of gout and its systemic effects. Future studies should delve into the relationship between structural damage visible via imaging techniques and the functional impairments identified in this study."

The study's limitations include the lack of imaging data to assess joint damage, which could provide deeper insights into the extent of structural impairment. Nonetheless, the researchers advocate for more comprehensive investigations into the causes and consequences of hand dexterity impairment in gout, suggesting that kinetic and kinematic analyses may yield further understanding.

As the healthcare community continues to grapple with the implications of chronic conditions like gout, this study underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing functional impairments in patients, thereby enhancing care strategies and improving overall outcomes. The research not only opens avenues for future inquiry but also serves as a clarion call for clinicians to adopt a more holistic approach to managing gout, one that considers its multifaceted impact on patient quality of life.

In conclusion, the study enhances the understanding of gout's implications on hand function and emphasizes the necessity for further research. By integrating hand function assessments into clinical practice, healthcare providers can better tailor interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals living with gout.