Gout is a common man’s disease these days. In view of faulty food habits, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of exercise, the disease has become a widespread affliction. Most commonly identified with attack of severe pain and inflammation in the big toe, the disease can progress to variety of other body joints.
When uric acid levels tend to soar up high in the body, they tend to develop around the joints in the form of crystals. For those who wonder about “
What is Gout” can identify the disease with following symptoms:
- Tenderness and redness of the joint or multiple joints of the body.
- Painful movement of the joints.
- Development of fever and chills along with pain and inflammation.
- Shiny red to purplish skin around the toe joint area which is painful to touch.
- Covering of the joint even with a light sheet of cloth is excruciatingly painful.
In the initial onset of the disease, only one or two joints are affected but in the absence of adequate treatment, the disease can move on to attack other joints of the body as well. Most commonly affected areas include feet, ball of the toe, and ankles. Mostly, a Gout attack occurs in the big toe at nighttime but studies reveal that it takes a period of several years for the disease to develop. It may take from a few hours to days for a Gout attack to subside.
There are a few conditions that can precipitate a Gout attack, most common of these include:
- Injury or blow to the joint.
- Phases of dehydration.
- Excessive intake of purine rich foods.
- Recent surgery
- Stress
- Heavy intake of alcohol
- Prolonged fever
In addition to the above, there are variety of genetic factors that can be related to the onset of the disease. The disease gets easily passed down from one generation to other. Obesity and high blood pressure can also contribute to development of disease. Prolonged intake of diuretics, aspirin and chemotherapy treatments can also increase the level of uric acid.
The diagnostic procedures that can help identify the disease include blood tests, x-rays, and arthrocentisis. Microscopic examination can help identify the crystals and this can help distinguish Gout from pseudogout as well. Major complications of the disease include development of kidney stones, involvement of other joints, and increase in the frequency of the attacks. In order to treat the pain and inflammation, analgesics can be utilized. Colchicine is most commonly used medication for the disease to help with long term management. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs, popularly known as NSAIDs, are also administered in wide variety of patients to alleviate the Gout attacks.
Besides the intake of chemical formulations, there are other treatment modalities to combat the disease as well. These include use of herbal supplements that are 100% natural and come without any side effects. Applying cold packs to the area for 7-10 minutes multiple times a day can also help ease the pain and discomfort. Pushing on clear fluid intake can help flush out excess uric acid from the body.
If you are finding it hard to deal with disease and wish to reduce the intake of medicines, trying on natural remedies for Gout can be of great benefit. These can be used in conjunction with a anti-Gout diet and regular intake of medicines to seek benefit. Staying knowledgeable about what to eat and what to avoid can help a great deal to win the battle against the disease.