What Is Gout?
Gout is quite possibly the most painful varieties
of arthritis, and accounts for 7 percent of all cases of the
ailment. Gout is diagnosed by sudden, severe bouts of redness,
swelling, warmth, pain, and inflammation in 1 or more joints. Most
commonly the large toe is the first joint affected, but other joints
may be involved initially or become involved in recurring attacks of
this malady.
 Gout results from the deposit of needle-like uric acid crystals in
either the connective tissue or the space between two bones, or
both. Uric acid is the end-product caused by the breakdown of
purines. Purines are naturally found in the body and are found in
various levels in foods. It is excessive uric acid in the body which
causes the formation of uric acid crystals. This excess of uric acid
in the bloodstream, is called hyperuricemia, it can be caused by:
*An increase in production of uric acid by the body.
*The inability of the kidneys to remove uric acid.
*Too many foods high in purines.
As stated by the National Centre of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases, Gout can progress through four levels:
1.Asymptomatic gout - Higher uric acid readings in the
blood but no other symptoms present. Commonly, at this point no
treatment is neccessary.
2.Acute gouty arthritis - Hyperuricemia causes the
buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint spaces. The unbearable
symptoms of pain and swelling are felt. Early, acute attacks usually
disappear inside 3-10 days even without medical attention.
3.Interval gout - The period between acute gout attacks
when there are no symptoms and there is usual joint mobility.
4.Chronic tophaceous gout - The most disabling form of
gout which occurs after many years, linked with permanent damage to
the affected joints and sometimes the kidneys.
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X-ray of 2
affected joints |
Gout Treatment
With timely treatment, patients who have gout do not usually go on
to the chronic tophaceous phase of gout. What is the correct
treatment of gout? There are some natural gout cures that people
report success with. Medications are sometimes prescribed to help
control gout and there are numerous lifestyle recommendations.
People with gout are usually advised to:
*Avoid alcohol or drink alcohol in moderation.
*Consume lots of water and other fluids.
*Keep to an ideal body weight.
*Lose weight if overweight but avoid fasting or quick
weight loss schemes.
*Avoid consuming food products containing high purine
levels.
Gout is usually treated with strong
medications but there is a growing trend towards non medicinal gout
cures
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