What You Need To Know About Gout

Gout is a painful condition, typically found in those who suffer from arthritis. It typically causes damage around the big toe, so when people complain about gout, it is mainly in their feet. This condition occurs due to sodium urate crystals forming around the joint. They slowly grow into sharp, short needles and cause pain. Gout sufferers have this condition, which is called hyperuricemia, when uric acid builds up in the blood, however not all people with high uric acid levels suffer from gout. When hyperuricemia becomes chronic, it causes the uric crystals to form in the joint areas.

Gout can affect anyone, however it is most likely to be found in men over the age of 30. A number of risk factors make a person predisposed to having uric acid in their joints. These include diet, genetics, alcohol, a high purine-rich protein diet, joint injuries and medications.

Diet is the main cause of gout. The condition is triggered by eating high levels of uric acid, which is found mainly in alcoholic beverages, meats and seafood. It can also be caused by dehydration, provoked by certain beverages including coffee, tea, and alcohol. Medications can also trigger gout, such as diuretics to treat blood pressure or medications that compromise kidneys.

Symptoms Of Gout

The signs and symptoms of gout almost always occur suddenly, and often at night. They include:

•        Intense joint pain. Gout usually affects the large joint of your big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.

•        Lingering discomfort. After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks. Later attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints.

•        Inflammation and redness. The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm and red.

•        Limited range of motion. As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.

Prevention

During symptom-free periods, these dietary guidelines may help protect against future gout attacks:

•        Drink plenty of fluids. Stay well-hydrated, including plenty of water. Limit how many sweetened beverages you drink, especially those sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup.

•        Limit or avoid alcohol. Talk with your doctor about whether any amount or type of alcohol is safe for you. Recent evidence suggests that beer may be particularly likely to increase the risk of gout symptoms, especially in men.

•        Get your protein from low-fat dairy products. Low-fat dairy products may actually have a protective effect against gout, so these are your best-bet protein sources.

•        Limit your intake of meat, fish and poultry. A small amount may be tolerable, but pay close attention to what types — and how much — seem to cause problems for you.

•        Maintain a desirable body weight. Choose portions that allow you to maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight may decrease uric acid levels in your body. But avoid fasting or rapid weight loss, since doing so may temporarily raise uric acid levels.

Treating an Acute Gout Attack

Here are the steps for getting the pain and swelling of a gout attack under control:

•        Take an anti-inflammatory medication as soon as possible

•        Ice and elevate the joint

•        Drink plenty of fluids (no alcohol or sweet sodas)

•        Call your doctor and make an appointment

•        Relax; stress can aggravate gout.

•        Ask friends and family to help you with daily tasks.

Despite the sudden onset and intense pain, gout attacks usually peak and resolve within a week or 10 days and then disappear completely. The first 36 hours are typically the worst. However, it’s important that once you have an attack, you begin working with your doctor to control uric acid levels and prevent future gout attacks.