You may have heard an elderly relative mention gout. Gout, also known as hyperuricemia in medical terms, is a painful condition that results from high levels of uric acids in the bloodstream. Crystals are formed when there is too much uric acid in the bloodstream, which can cause joint inflammation, swelling, and pain. Gout symptoms can be relieved by changing your diet. Let’s first look at the symptoms of a gout attack before we discuss how to manage it.
Gout Attacks
Gout attacks are most commonly reported in the bigtoe. However, the pain and burning can occur anywhere in the body, including the ankle or wrist, finger, elbow, knee, elbow, finger, and finger. Flare-ups are usually sudden and occur mostly at night. The affected area will become reddened and hot after an attack. Redness is indicative of the intense, fire-like pain that comes with an attack. The affected joint also becomes very tender.
How can I manage the pain of a gout attack? Most doctors will recommend common painkillers, particularly those that contain anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil and Aleve. For more severe cases, Prednisone may be prescribed to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Gout can affect anyone.
Did you know?
Gout can be more common in men than in women, especially those in their 40s. Women are more likely to experience gout attacks after menopause. There is also a genetic component to your risk of having an attack. If your grandparents or parents had gout, you have a higher chance of experiencing it yourself. Other conditions can increase your chance of getting an attack, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and kidney disease.
You should see your doctor if you suspect you have gout. He may also suggest medication to lower the blood levels of uric acids. Although diet is not the cause of gout, it can help to reduce the frequency of your attacks. Gout attacks can be more frequent if you eat or drink foods high in purine. You should avoid these foods and drinks as much as possible. It is important to drink lots of fluids as water helps to eliminate uric acids from the bloodstream.
Purines
High purine foods include all food groups, including beef, pork and lamb, anchovies as well as mushrooms, oatmeal, beer, and other seafood. Low purine foods include fruits, tomatoes, carbonated beverages, coffee, and chocolate. Although it won’t cure gout completely, a low-purine diet can help reduce the likelihood of future attacks.