What is Gout?

Gout is one of medicine's oldest documented conditions and was, until recently, one of the least understood.

Commonly, however, gout was identified with wealthy people who over indulged in fatty foods. This misinformation has lead to a negative stigma being associated with the illness. Gout is actually an extremely painful condition which is caused by inflammation of the joints. Wrists and ankles, as well as hands and feet, are often afflicted. Many people also experience a swollen big toe on at least one foot.

Who Gets Gout?

Gout is created when the body produces an excessive amount of uric acid. This abundance of uric acid causes crystals to form in the synovial joint, which in turn causes the pain and swelling that have become trademarks of the disease. Some in the medical field claim that gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. Although the condition was once associated with gluttony, health professionals, patients and the general public have become better educated about the causes, symptoms and treatments for gout.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

You may recognize gout by the suddenness with which the symptoms appear. You may feel fine before you go to sleep at night, but wake up with pain. Generally the joints are affected. They may be swollen, to the point of being shiny and reddish. And, of course, there will likely be substantial pain. The painful area may also feel hot, similar to an infection. If you notice that you have lumps developing around your heels, ears, or elbows, you may also have gout. These lumpy areas are also the result of uric acid build up. Victims of gout also sometimes report painful kidney stones.

If untreated gout can cause severe and permanent joint damage. If you suspect that you have gout, the best course of action would be to go to the doctor right away. Some people who have an attack of gout never experience another attack. The less fortunate suffer attacks over the course of their lives. Remember, though, the pain of these attacks can be treated.

It can be difficult to diagnose gout as the symptoms are very similar to those of other types of arthritis. Before your doctor determines how to treat your condition, he or she will have to make a positive diagnosis. To determine if there are uric acid crystals in your irritated joints, the doctor may take a sample of your joint fluids. In addition, you may be required to have a blood test to measure uric acid levels in your blood. Also, you will likely have a complete physical examination.

The Treatment of Gout

Current treatments for gout have been very successful. This is good news for the half million people in the United States who deal with gout on a regular basis. It is likely that the doctor will prescribe medication. Allopurinol helps to control the levels of uric acid created by the body. In addition, colchicines reduce the symptomatic inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also often prescribed. Ibuprofen is an example. Aspirin, however, is not recommended. Most doctors will also suggest a healthy diet and regular exercise to reduce the symptoms of gout.

If you suspect that you have gout, it is important that you speak with your doctor to be properly diagnosed. You can begin proper, healthful treatment as soon as you have been properly diagnosed. There is no point in waiting. See your doctor as soon as you can.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

Author Ernestine Clagge enjoys writing for a variety of growing web sites, on health and wellness product and alternative health care matters.
Visit our gout article directory for a completely unique version of this article.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated