If you have episodes of painfully swollen joints, you
might have gout. What is this condition and what causes it? Can it be
prevented?
Gout is actually a kind of arthritis and is also
sometimes known as gouty arthritis. It can affect any joint in the body but it
usually affects joints singly. The big toes are often the joint areas that are
most commonly visited by gout. Attacks of this condition are often immediate and
extremely painful. One may also experience tender swelling and redness in the
affected areas.
Causes
Gout is caused by urate crystals. These urate crystals
originate from uric acid that is a by-product of purine breakdown in the body.
Normally, uric acid is a form of waste that is eliminated from the body as it
passes through the kidneys. Some people may have high levels or uric acid but
not have gout because the uric acid is properly disposed of. Sometimes though
there may be too much uric acid, or the kidneys may not eliminate enough. This
could result in the formation of urate crystals that settle on the joints.
Gout can develop in both men and women but men 40 years
old and above are generally more at risk than women. Women only have an
increased risk of developing gout when they are past the menopausal stage. If
gout is a common condition in one’s family, then one is also particularly at
risk.
Some other people may be more at risk of having the
condition than others. These include those who are heavy drinkers and those who
are fond of red meat. Some medical conditions like heart-related diseases and
diabetes, and medications like diuretics may increase one’s likelihood of
getting gout.
Problems with Uric Acid
Not all individuals suffer from the same intensity and
frequency of symptoms. If you do have gout though, you should always consider
consulting a doctor. Having the condition is a definite sign that you have uric
acid and urate crystals. In severe cases of high uric acid, the kidneys may
become affected. Urate crystals may eventually be the first step to developing
kidney stones.
What You Can Do
There are things you can do to decrease your chances of
future attacks or limit the chances of gout from developing. The most obvious
preventive measure is to attempt to lessen the amount of uric acid in your body.
It is often suggested that certain foods should be minimized or avoided. These
include red meats, organ meat, alcohol, gravy and some seafood. Drinking at
least eight glasses of water a day or more can also aid in keeping levels of
uric acid at bay.
It is also recommended that anyone who is at risk of
getting gout should maintain their ideal weight. Aside from regulating one’s
diet, this can be achieved through a regular exercise program.
Your doctor may also prescribe medications that can
decrease uric acid production or increase the amount in which it is flushed out
of the body.
If you are already suffering from gout, make sure to
take care of your joints. You should always consult with your doctor when it
comes to self-care options. Some possible options include using a cold compress,
performing doctor-prescribed exercises and choosing movements and positions that
do not stress the affected joints.
