Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis. It can cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints, usually toes. These attacks can happen over and over unless gout is treated. Over time, gout can harm your joints, tendons and other tissues. Gout is more common in men.









What causes Gout?

Gout is caused by too much uric acid in your blood. Most of the time, having too much uric acid is not harmful. Many people with high levels in their blood never get gout. But when uric acid
levels in your blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints.

Your chances of getting gout are higher if you are overweight, drink too much alcohol or eat too much meat and fish that are high in chemicals called purines.


What are the symptoms?

The most common sign of gout is a nighttime attack of swelling, tenderness, redness and sharp pain in your toes. You can also get gout attacks in your foot, ankle or knees. The attacks can last a few days or many weeks before the pain goes away. Another attack may not happen for months or years.


How is Gout treated?

The goals of treatment for gout are rapid pain relief and prevention of future gout attacks and long-term complications such as joints destruction and kidney damage. To reduce the pain, swelling, redness, and warmth of the affected joint(s) in an acute gout attack:

• Rest the affected joint(s).
  
  
• Take pain relievers such as Tylenol or other more potent analgesics to manage the pain.
  
  
• Take one or more of the following medications at the first sign of a gout attack as prescribed by your family doctor. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or indomethacin can be prescribed to decrease joint inflammation. Avoid aspirin because it may abruptly change uric acid levels in the blood and may make worsen the symptoms.

How can you prevent Gout from happening?

Below are some sensible steps that can be taken to prevent Gout from happening. Likewise these steps can also help to lessen the frequency and severity of Gout attacks.

• Limit foods that are high in purines, especially meat, seafood, and beer to help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Since purines are converted by the body into uric acid, purine rich foods should be avoided.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids. This can help your body get rid of uric acid. Adequate fluid intake also decreases the risk of kidney stone formation in patients with gout. Alcohol is known to have diuretic effects which can contribute to dehydration and
  precipitate acute gout attacks.
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet that provides the nutrients you need and helps you control your weight. Weight reduction can be helpful in lowering the risk of recurrent attacks of gout. This is best accomplished by reducing dietary fat and calorie intake combined with a regular aerobic exercise program.