This article will answer your questions about gout and the treatment options. You’ll learn the basics of gout and how to treat it. Gout is one form of arthritis that accounts for about 5% of all cases. It is caused in part by microscopic crystals, which look like needles. It is also the most severe form of arthritis and can be very debilitating. The pain can be so severe that even the slightest touch of a bed sheet can cause extreme pain. This, along with inflammation and swelling, can make it difficult to move, especially if it is located in the feet.
Gout Attacks
Gout attacks can strike suddenly and without warning. They often occur at night. Gout attacks that are not treated can last anywhere from a few days up to several weeks, depending on the severity. Another problem is that once a person has had one attack, they are more likely to have another. Gout attacks that are more frequent and more severe can cause permanent joint damage and kidney problems.
There are medications that can be used to manage and treat the condition. Gout episodes can also be prevented by lifestyle and dietary changes. Gout symptoms can be caused by an inflammatory response of your body to the crystals in you joints. This is a natural response to eliminate the ‘invaders’ and repair the damage. This happens by inundating the affected area with white blood cells and other chemicals.
Gout Symptoms
This inflammatory process is what causes gout symptoms such as swelling, stiffness and redness, inflammation, and pain. In some cases, sufferers may experience a mild fever. Hyperuricemia is a condition that increases the risk of crystal formation. It is caused by higher than normal blood uric acid levels. When ‘purines’ are broken down during the body’s metabolism process, uric acid is formed.
Purines are chemical compounds that can be found in the cells of our bodies and those of animals and plants. They are essential for our survival because they help convert food into energy, gene into protein, and protect our cells against cancer-causing agents. Normal circumstances will see your kidneys excrete excess uric acids via urine and a little via stool. This results in normal blood levels of uric acid.
Remember purines?
Because purines are also found in food, eating foods high in purines can increase uric acid production. This can lead to excess acid being retained in the blood, which can cause damage to healthy kidneys. Any problem with your kidneys, which can affect their ability to function properly, means that even with normal levels, not enough acid is being flushed from your body. Hyperuricemia, also known as gout, can be caused by anything that affects the kidney’s ability or helps to produce too much uric acids in the body.
- People with kidney disease and poor kidney function.
- People who consume a lot of high-purine foods.
- People who are overweight are more likely to be obese. Studies show that people who are overweight have higher levels of uric acid. Hyperuricemia is most commonly caused by being overweight.
- People who consume regular, large amounts alcohol, especially beer.
- Hyperuricemia can be caused by medicines that interfere with the natural process for elimination. These medications include diuretics and chemotherapy drugs.
- Patients with underlying medical conditions. These include hypertension (high blood sugar), diabetes, arteriosclerosis and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat and cholesterol in blood).
- Studies have shown a link between gout, gout-related family history and gout. Around 25% of people suffering from gout have a family history with gout or arthritis.
Uric Acid
One of the most effective ways to reduce uric acid production is to switch to a low-purine diet. This involves reducing or eliminating the intake of organ meats, fish, and shellfish. Natural remedies can also be used to reduce uric acid, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
Alfalfa can neutralize uric acids, cherries can reduce inflammation, and uric Acid levels can be lowered by vitamin C. Gout is caused by high blood uric acid, also known as hyperuricemia. Gout can cause redness, swelling and heat. Being overweight, drinking excessive alcohol, having a high-purine diet, kidney disease/poor function, certain medications and a family history are all risk factors for gout. You can reduce your uric acid level to prevent gout. You can do this with drugs, although they can cause side effects, or natural home remedies.