What is gout?  

Gout is a very painful rheumatic condition that affects joints. It usually manifests itself with pain in the joint of the big toe. Gout mainly affects men. In fact, it affects more than ten times the number of men than women. 

Gout is caused by a build up of uric acid in the blood. This build up causes the formation of crystals around the joints. These crystals are the cause of the pain. 

Uric acid is usually expelled during urination and if allowed to build up in the bloodstream it causes the crystals to form in joints. These crystals cause inflammation in the joints known as gout.  The pain experienced during a gout attack is a stabbing pain caused by the crystals themselves combined with the pain of the inflammation in the joint itself.

Types of gout 

There are two types of gout Primary and Secondary.

Primary is usually caused by a hereditary abnormality in kidney function. This abnormality allows retention of uric acid that causes gout.

Secondary is the type usually found in the doctor’s surgery. It is usually caused by some other medical problem. It can also be caused by the use or diuretics (fluid tablets) or alcohol intake. Certain foods can be the cause in some patients.

Effect 

Gout is slow to develop and does not occur overnight. In many cases the build up of uric acid and the resulting crystals can take several years. Not all patients with an excess of uric acid will develop gout.  

The first symptom is often a pain in the big toe. This is shortly followed by inflammation and redness of the toe. The patient may not be able to put weight on the foot and may not be able to stand the pain of wearing shoes. In severe cases patients cannot put up with the weight of bedclothes on their foot. 

The first attack of gout often lasts about seven days and in about 10% of patients does not recur again. However in others the disease comes back with increasing frequency and for an increasing duration. 

Repeated attacks of gout can damage joints over time. Gout can also affect other joints like ankles, knees and elbows. Gout can also cause kidney damage, the formation of kidney stones and hypertension.

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Gout Treatment 

Gout is usually treated with anti inflammatory drugs and painkillers. Drugs can also be prescribed to control the amount of uric acid in the bloodstream. 

Those who suffer from repeated attacks of gout may need to Fix Their Lifestyle  

·           Often sufferers learn which foods trigger an attack of gout. These foods should be avoided. 

·           Reduce weight where necessary 

·           Reduce alcohol intake 

·           Drink lots of water