Gout is often referred to as gouty arthritis due to its association with arthritis. Gout is just one type of arthritis. Gout is the most severe type of arthritis and accounts for about 5% of all cases. Gouty arthritis symptoms include stiffness, heat and swelling as well as inflammation and pain that can be quite severe. These symptoms can occur in any joint, but most gouty arthritis occurs in the big toe. Gouty arthritis symptoms can be caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints and tissue. These crystals are needle-like and can trigger the inflammatory symptoms associated with a gout attack.
Crystals
Crystals are usually formed when there is a high level of uric acid in the blood. Your body produces uric acid as a result of its normal metabolism process. High levels of uric acids can result from your kidneys not being able to properly process the excess uric acids in the blood. It can also happen when your kidneys are unable to process too much uric acid. Gouty arthritis can be treated with medication, but doctors almost always recommend it. Gout can be treated with natural remedies. Natural remedies are often more effective than drugs, as they don’t address the root causes of gout. Cherry juice is a popular home remedy for gouty arthritis.
They are rich in natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain relief properties. They can also lower uric acid levels, making them more effective in relieving gout symptoms. During an attack, eat 30-40 cherries every four hours. Continue this until your symptoms subside. Continue eating 30 to 40 cherries per day to help maintain a lower level of uric acid. You can also buy natural cherry juice, either concentrated or normal, from your local health food store. This home remedy for gouty arthritis symptoms is effective, but there are many things you can do to prevent them from happening. Gout attacks can cause permanent joint damage and kidney problems. Even if you have had one attack, your chances of having more are higher.
Understanding Arthritis
The term arthritis literally translates to “inflammation of the joints/s”. Each bone forms a joint with another bone in the body. There are 206 bones total. A joint is composed of two articulating bone surfaces that are covered with cartilage. The joint space, also known as synovial fluid, is the space between the bones. The synovial fluid is secreted from a membrane in the joint called’synovium’. Its function is to lubricate and maintain smooth joint movements. Arthritis is most likely when there is inflammation or long-term damage to any of these structures.
Painful joints are the first sign of arthritis. The location of the pain will depend on the extent of the disease. In rare cases, such as arthritis of the spine joints, nerves can become compressed between affected joints. This can lead to pain radiating from the affected areas into the area that supplies those nerves. Depending on the underlying cause, arthritis can be divided into two types.
Types
The first is inflammatory arthritis. Most of the causes of arthritis such as ankylosing and infective arthritis, rheumatoid, and ankylosing spinelitis are inflammatory in origin. This type of arthritis is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking the joints. The second type is degenerative arthritis, which is caused by the wear and tear on the joints over a long period of time. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of this type. Each type of arthritis has its own symptoms and signs. These are some of the terms used in medicine.
- Polyarticular is arthritis that affects more than one joint.
- Migratory arthritis is arthritis that moves from one joint to another.
- Large joints: Any other joints than the hands and feet. Contractures are an abnormal and permanent contraction in the muscles surrounding affected joints. This can cause severe limitations in movement. The history and examination are the most important factors in diagnosing arthritis. In most cases, however, certain tests are performed.
- Tests for rheumatoid factors (RF): The main purpose of RF tests is to confirm the diagnosis.
- C reactive protein and ESR: These tests provide information about the activity of inflammation. These blood tests are not diagnostic but can be very useful in monitoring the treatment response.
- Blood uric Acid Level: A good confirmatory test for gout.
- Synovial fluid examination: A long needle is used to draw synovial fluid from the joint and examine it. This test is especially important if you suspect that you have infective arthritis.
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA): These are a variety antibodies, including (ANCA), anticardiolipin and antibodies against double stranded genetic DNA. In certain types of arthritis, the levels of each of these antibodies increase.
Joint Pain and Alcohol
Many people report feeling pain or discomfort in their joints after drinking alcohol. According to them, the amount of alcohol they consume determines how much pain they feel. The pain is worse the more alcohol they consume. What does the medical community have to say about this? If you are a party person, you will be happy to know that there is no evidence that alcohol consumption causes joint pain. Numerous studies have been done over the years and researchers have not yet established a direct connection. This doesn’t mean alcohol cannot contribute in indirect ways. Gout can be caused by excessive drinking. It is a well-known fact that gout can lead to severe pain in your joints. The most affected joints are the feet and knees.
Gout is caused by a buildup in uric acid. It often disappears after a few months and then returns at a later stage. Drinking alcohol can also cause weight gain. This can often lead to joint pain. Although the first few drinks may not affect your weight, if you continue to drink, your weight will increase gradually. This can happen slowly so you don’t notice it until you feel aches and pains in the joints. Remember that every extra pound you add to your joint burden increases it. Poor sleeping habits are a major cause of joint pain.
Remember
Alcohol can also be a factor. Although you may think that you get a better night’s sleep if you have a few beers first, the truth is that you won’t. Normal circumstances will allow you to move around in your sleep. While you may fall asleep on your back, you will still be able to move around in your sleep. However, you can rest assured that you have spent some time on either your stomach or your side during the night. If you are drunk, this natural pain prevention mechanism may not work every time. You may also fall asleep in a bad position, which can cause painful joints the next morning. Although there isn’t a direct correlation between joint pain and alcohol intake, it is clear that alcohol can play a role. It is important to drink moderately as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a host of other health problems.