Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis which creates swelling and pain in joints. It usually manifests as flares that last about a week or so before settling. Gout flares usually begin in the big toe, or in the lower leg. Gout occurs due to high amounts of serum urate starting to build up inside the body. This may then develop into crystals that resemble needles within and around joints. This causes arthritis and inflammation of the joint. If the body produces excessive amounts of urate or eliminates it in a small amount the urate, it builds up within the body. However, many individuals with elevated amounts of serum Urate won’t suffer from gout.
Body parts that are affected by gout are:
- Bursae are sacs that resemble cushions between bones as well as other soft tissues.
- Tendon sheaths membranes that cover tendons.
- Kidneys, as the high levels of uric acid can cause stones and damage to the kidneys.
CAUSES:
- Hereditary or familial tendency. Chances of males being affected more.
- Stress
- Alcohol and dietary excess, esp. of food rich in proteins such ad redmeat, liver, kidney, cheese, etc.
- Kidney failure.
- 80% of people with high triglycerides have gout.
- Thyroid disorder.
- Drugs like diuretics.
SYMPTOMS:
- Sudden onset of severe joint pain mainly affecting great toe but may affect any other joint.
- Joint swelling.
- Heat of joint.
- It occurs unexpectedly and can be very severe but the symptoms normally do not last for more than a week. Chronic suffers may find tiny, hard lumps accumulating over the soft flesh of hands feet or ear lobes.
- The uric acid deposits may affect the kidney forming stones.
- If you have a family history of gout, decrease intake of alcohol, fats, meat.
- Prefer a largely vegetarian diet with plenty of salads. Avoid red meat, coffee, alcohol, cheese, sugar, liver, kidney, animal fat, sweetbread, yeast, spinach, dried beans. Foods that suppress the symptoms of gout are cereals, fruits (except bananas, custard apple, pear & pomegranate), green leafy vegetables, cherries, strawberries.
- Eat white meat like chicken instead of red meat. Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices to wash off the uric acid in urine and to flush the kidney of the crystals. Stop alcohol.
During acute pain keep the affected joint uncovered as covering increases the discomfort of a swollen sensitive joint. Cold compress will help to relieve pain. You can rest the gouty foot in a cardboard box during sleep as pressure of a sheet or blanket can increase the pain. If overweight, exercise to reduce weight.
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