Gouty arthritis, also known as gout, is an inflammation disease that results from excess uric acid in your blood. This is primarily affecting your joints. Gout can occur in people with high levels of uric acid, but not all. Gout symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain when moving joints. The big toe is the most affected, and it hurts when walking. You can learn all about Gout here: Gout Home Remedy
Principal Symptoms
Gout is characterized by the following symptoms:
- The sensation of intense pain that lasts for between 12 and 24 hours, most commonly in the morning. The pain can also worsen with movement and may last several days or even weeks.
- Temperature increases in the affected area
- Fluid accumulation and swelling (edema)
- Redness.
These symptoms are caused by the formation of uric acid crystals within the joints. Gout can affect any joint, but it is more common in the lower limbs and the big toe. Gout patients are more likely to develop kidney stones. They also have a higher risk of developing uric acid crystals under their skin. This can cause lumps in the fingers, elbows and feet. One of the best natural supplements against gout can be purchased here: Gout Treatment
Gout Causes
Hyperuricemia is a condition that causes gout. This refers to an increase of the blood uric acids. It can be caused by both increased production and a deficiency in its elimination.
There are also other causes:
- Inadequate medication intake
- Exaggerated diuretics use
- Alcohol abuse;
- Exaggerated intake of purines-rich foods, such as red meat and fish, is a problem.
- Diabetes;
- Obesity;
- Uncontrolled arterial hypertension
- Arteriosclerosis.
Because of the high levels of uric acids in circulation, monosodium-urate crystals (which is the solid form) are forming in the joints. They are mainly found in the big toe and ankles. People who are obese or overweight, sedentary and have uncontrolled chronic conditions such as gout are more likely to develop it. Gout is also more common in men aged 40-50 years and women who have gone through menopause (usually after 60). There are many home remedies to combat gout: Home Remedies For Gout
How Diagnosis is made
Gout diagnosis is based on the patient’s medical history, physical exam, and any other tests such as blood and urine tests and X-rays. Microscopy is the best way to diagnose gout.
How is Treatment performed
Gout treatment can be divided into two phases: long-term and acute therapy. Gout treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, that are prescribed by a physician to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint. Colchicine is another anti-inflammatory medication that is widely used to manage pain and inflammation. It also works on uric acid.
Prednisone and other corticosteroid medication can be used to treat joint pain or inflammation. However, these medications are only used when anti-inflammatory drugs fail to work or the patient is unable to take them.
These medications may be prescribed by a rheumatologist, general practitioner, or other healthcare professionals to reduce uric acids levels in the blood. This is to prevent new problems and to prevent future ones. Changes in eating habits can have a direct impact on the amount of circulating urine and consequently the formation of crystals in the joints. It is also important that you treat any underlying conditions that may lead to gout, such as diabetes and hypertension. Here you can share with others who also suffer from Gout and exchange experiences: Gout Symptoms