Gout- Symptom, Cause, Treatment, Self Care
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What is Gout?
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often at the base of the big toe. It’s caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form needle-like crystals in a joint and cause pain.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gout?
- Intense joint pain, typically in the big toe.
- Lingering discomfort after the severe pain subsides.
- Inflammation and redness in the affected joint.
- Limited range of motion in the affected joint.
What Causes Gout?
Gout is caused by an accumulation of urate crystals in the joint, due to high levels of uric acid in the blood. This can be due to dietary factors, obesity, certain medical conditions, or the use of certain medications.
What are the Risk Factors for Gout?
- Diet: Eating a diet rich in meat and seafood and drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) increase levels of uric acid.
- Obesity: Higher body weight increases the risk of gout.
- Medical Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney problems.
- Age and Sex: More common in men, especially those between the ages of 30 and 50.
How to Diagnose Gout?
- Joint Fluid Test: To detect urate crystals in the joint fluid.
- Blood Test: To measure the levels of uric acid and creatinine in your blood.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, ultrasound, or a CT scan to detect joint damage.
Who Should Diagnose and Treat Gout?
A rheumatologist is the specialist to diagnose and treat gout, as they have expertise in arthritis and related conditions.
How to Treat Gout?
- Medications: NSAIDs, colchicine, and corticosteroids to control pain and swelling.
- Lifestyle Changes: Dietary modifications to reduce uric acid levels.
- Preventive Medications: To lower uric acid levels in your blood and reduce the risk of recurring attacks.
Complications with Gout
- Recurrent Gout: Some people may experience repeated attacks, which can cause joint damage.
- Advanced Gout: Untreated gout might cause deposits of urate crystals to form under the skin.
- Kidney Stones: Urate crystals may collect in the urinary tract, leading to kidney stones.
Self-Care with Gout
- Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding foods high in purines like red meat and seafood.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush uric acid from your body.
- Limit Alcohol: Especially beers and liquors, which can increase uric acid levels.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing weight can decrease uric acid levels and the risk of gout attacks.