Gout is a type of Arthritis, but a very painful one. It occurs when Urate Crystal assimilate in the joints.
I have a very painful, swollen, red toe of my foot. Is it Gout?
Gout attacks are usually very painful, early in the morning and associated with
- Sudden, Severe, Swelling Of the Joint/s.
- Redness of the Joint.
- Usually the large joints, Toes.
- Small joints too.
- Less in the arms
It rarely affects the spine. (Read more: Treatment of Gout? )
At times it is so severe that even a sheet cannot be kept over the joint.
Why has this happened to me?
You’re more likely to develop gout if you have high levels of uric acid in your body.
What is Uric Acid? Why does its level increase?
Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines.
Normally the body has an efficient system to remove it from the body through kidneys.
In case there is
- abnormal increase in uric acid levels (food),or
- There is faulty excretion by kidneys.
Uric Acid levels build up in the blood
It starts to form sharp, needle like crystals(urate) in the adjacent joints, tissue
Which in turn causes,
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Swelling
(Read more: Treatment of Gout? )
What increase the level of uric acid in the body?
The Risk Factors are
- Diet.
- Obesity.
- Medical conditions
- Certain medications.
- Family history of gout.
- Age and sex.
- Recent surgery or trauma.
Myth- Raised uric acid always leads to gout
Not everyone who has elevated Uric Acid level Develops Gout
What kind of foods lead to gout?
The foods rich in Purines are
- Red meat and organ meats (liver, tongue and sweetbreads)
- Shellfish such as shrimp and lobster
- Refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, pasta, sugar)
- Processed foods (chips, snack foods, frozen dinners)
- Sugary beverages
- Alcohol
Who is going to treat gout?
You can approach your Physician for the primary care.
The specialists in the field are Rheumatologist, Orthopaedic surgeon.
What Tests will be done To Diagnose Gout?
The tests that can help are
- Blood Test – elevated Uric Acid level
- Fluid taken from Inflamed joint.
- X-ray Of the joint
What If I Don’t’ Get Any Treatment?
Recurrent Gout. If left untreated, gout can cause erosion and destruction of a joint.
Advanced Gout-tophi-(deposits of urate crystals to form under the skin in nodules.)
they can become swollen and tender during gout attacks.
Renal Stones
Myth- One Attack of doesn’t mean it is happening again.
90% of patients who have 1 gout attack will have at least a second attack
As time goes by
- gout attacks may occur more often,
- involve more joints,
- have more severe symptoms,
- last longer.
Repeated attacks can damage the joint.
(Read more: Treatment of Gout?)
Myth- Gout has a medicinal cure.
There is no cure for gout, but it can be treated and controlled.
