Conditions
GOUT
Do I have gout?
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis known as crystal arthropathy. Gout is caused by high amounts of uric acid in the body. The accumulation of uric acid in the body forms needle-like crystals in a joint and cause sudden, severe pain. This is known as a gout attack.
How does one develop gout?
Usually, the kidneys are able to remove uric acid from the body through urine, but when too much uric acid is being introduced into the body, the kidneys aren't able to process it efficiently, and an excess of uric acid builds up. Lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in certain high-purine foods, obesity and excessive alcohol intake can be contributing factors in the development of gout.
Treatment options
Gout is usually related to serious health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, and when left untreated, gout can cause complications for the joints. Treatment is thus aimed at treating the symptoms of gout attacks as well as preventing future flares and gout-related complications.
In addition to decreasing or avoiding certain purine-rich foods in your diet, medications can be used to lower the production of uric acid and enhance the role of the kidneys in filtering this waste product. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used to alleviate pain in gout affecting areas.
SYMPTOMS
For many, the first symptom of gout is experienced in the big toe, but gout may also affect the ankle or knee joint, causing symptoms of:
Extreme pain- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
Symptoms of pain and swelling are usually experienced during a gout attack, which may last 7-10 days. Gout, however, develops over time, and the symptoms are the end result of excess uric acid in the body.
