What Is Gout And How Can I Care For It?

Gout is a type of arthritis that most frequently affects the big toe but may also affect the heel, ankle, hand, wrist, or elbow. Some even discover that Gout can affect the lower back region and does occur frequently enough to be considered as a cause for low back pain. Gout generally presents when there are high uric acid levels in the blood stream. When the acid crystals start to settle this causes a build up in one or more of the joints in the body.

Gout is on the rise in America and can be attributed to at least 5% of the arthritis being reported. The reason for this growth is not truly known, however it is thought that most cases of gout are brought on by high purine containing foods such as meat and seafood. Since uric acid is formed in the blood stream to help breakdown waste products. Typically the kidneys filter out the uric acid from the blood stream but as it starts to build up in the body it forms crystals and accumulates in different joints and regions of the body.

When the crystals build in a certain region they draw the body to an inflammatory response that includes ache, redness, swelling, and damage to the joints. Although, hyperuricemia does lead to gout this isn't the cause of it and typically will not cause gout unless other factors such as excess weight, over indulgence of certain foods, or other genetic factors are also present.

An acute flare up of gout often begins without any warning and in many cases starts to act up in the middle of the night. Intense pain is usually the initial symptom and is persistently found in only one joint of the body. Usually the first joint to experience gout is the big toe and it will show with warm skin and is red and shiny. The pain is often so unbearable that just the touch of the bedding can cause extreme irritation to the joint. This inflammation may be associated with a fever also.

Fortunately a doctor can usually make a quick diagnosis of gout simply based on a physical exam and a blood test. Gout commonly subsides on its own within 5 – 10 days and the doctor may offer some prescriptions to help with the pain and inflammation that the patient is experiencing. A change in diet may be required for those who have continuing bouts with gout.

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