Gout is considered as an ancient form of inflammatory arthritis, and is caused by metabolic disorder that has not been properly controlled. Has gout pinched your limbs? You may have to have some basic knowledge about gout.
What is gout
Gout is a complex form of arthritis, in which crystals of sodium urate produced by the body can form inside joints. So, the joints usually show pain, redness and tenderness when people suffer sudden, severe attacks of gout. The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected (approximately 50% of cases).
What causes gout
Usually, gout is caused by the build-up of uric acid. People suffer from gout can’t pass out enough uric acid and said to be under-excreters of uric acid. Then, the factors lead to the build-up of uric acid may be the causes of gout.
- Diet is a key factor. Avoid getting too much intake of meat and seafood such as heart, herring, sardines, yeast extracts, or mussels.
- Age and gender. Men aged 30-60 and women who have been through the menopause are more likely to get gout.
- Combination effects of other medical problems. Overweight, diabetes or High Blood Pressure may lead to gout
- Drink too much alcohol, especially beer.
- Some medicine such as diuretics, aspirin or some chemotherapy medicines seems to increase the level of uric acid.
- Genetics is also a reason for uric acid level variability.
Symptoms of Gout
- A sudden, severe attack develops quickly over a few hours and usually during night.
- Joint at the base of the big toe is the main attack area. The attacked area will swell and the nearby skin looks red and inflamed.
- The pain is severe once the gout occurs, and then gradually goes away during the following 1 or 2 week.
- Some people may have fatigue and a high fever.
- The affected joint is difficult to move
- Nodules in the elbows, hands or ears may be the first sign of gout
Gout Treatment
